Monday 15 September 2014

Chapter 25

Eventually...

 

Bimpe pressed the door bell twice.
There was no response.
“I hope this guy is at home?” She said to herself.
She pressed it again. Still no response.
She then knocked on the door.
When she had tried a couple of times and got no response, she turned to leave.
Then, she heard the lock of the door coming unlocked.
A lady opened the door.
“Hello, can I help you?”
Bimpe was speechless for a minute then said, “I’m here to see Jide.”
“And who might you be?”
“I should be asking you.”
The girl cocked her eye brow. Bimpe walked closer to the girl. The girl was much taller but Bimpe was much bigger.
“Are you his sister?”
“Sister? Do we look alike?”
“No not exactly.”
“No, I’m his girlfriend.”
Bimpe smiled.
“Are you serious?”
“Why would I be in his house in his t-shirt with almost nothing under...?”
Bimpe ignored. “Ok. Is he at home?”
“No. Why all the questions?”
“I’m supposed to be his girlfriend too.”
The girl looked at Bimpe in the eyes directly.
“His girlfriend?”
“Yes.”
She smiled. “That son of a bitch!!!”
“What?”
“He went to the grocery to pick up a couple of things. He would be back soon. Come in.”
“No never mind.”
“Please, I’d appreciate if you do. If he is playing us both then we need to see it in his face.”
“I don’t think I would want to see him again.”
“I understand that he must be a dog but can we do this together.”
Bimpe contemplated for a few minutes. Her mind was racing between disappointment and anger. She chose anger.
She walked into the house.
Stella closed the door behind her.
“Sorry, my name is Stella.”
“I’m Bimpe.”

The cab parked close to the three storey building. Adaora stepped out.
“Do you want me to wait?” The cab driver asked her.
“No. You can go.”
“Ok.” He collected the money from her.
She walked into the compound. It was quiet. She could hear music playing from Jide’s apartment.
She smiled. He must be at home. She thought.
She walked up the flight of stairs to the first floor and pressed the door bell. She pushed a straying strand of hair away from her face.
No response.
She pressed the bell again.
Still no response.
She started to knock the door.
A lady showed up at the entrance.
Adaora cocked her eyes when she saw Stella. She was wearing the t-shirt she bought for Jide.
“Hi, I’m here to see Jide.”
“And you are?”
“Can you please tell him Adaora is here to see him.”
“His girlfriend I suppose?”
Adaora looked at her with a cocked eye.
“Are you his girlfriend?” Stella asked.
“What’s that to you?”
“I’m his girlfriend also and so…” Stella opened the door allowing Bimpe to show up. “So also is she. So we are all his girlfriend.”
“Wh-h-at?” Adaora stammered.
“Yep.” Bimpe said.
“Are you guys for real? Or is he pulling a stunt on me…?”
The ladies smiled looking at each other.
“Do you want to come in. He is on his way back. He just called me.”
Adaora looked at the faces of the two ladies. They looked serious.
She followed them into the house.
*        *        *
“No bro she’s not my girlfriend.”
“Yeah?”
“No she is not. Even though I for no mind but I love my babie a lot.”
“So is she seeing anyone?”
Sukanmi looked at his brother with a questioning face.
“I’m just asking you a question.”
“Bro do you like her?”
“She’s cute.”
“Cute. She’s damn right gorgeous egbon. That girl is a head spinner. And she has a to-die-for voice.”
“I hear you. So is she seeing someone or not?”
“I don’t think so. Asked her sometime ago and she said she’s not seeing anyone yet.”
“Ok.”
“Egbon stop going around in circles. You want me to hook you up, just say so.”
“Ok. Hook me up.”
“Egbon the girl na gentle chick ooo.”
“And that’s supposed to mean what exactly…?”
“Nothing.” Sukanmi smiled.
“So when are you going to hook me up?”
“Bro small small na. I will see what I can do.”
“Sukkie don’t fall my hand oo.”
“I will try. No promises sha.”
“All you have to do is get us to meet. I’d take it from there.”
“Ok.”
Sukanmi left the room.
Wole got to his feet. He pulled out his phone from his pocket. He flipped through the pictures on his phone till he arrived at Ife’s picture. The picture was of her and her younger sister, Tolani. They were both smiling.
He sat down on the chair and enlarged the picture.
The resemblance was striking. Just a little bit of difference in the skin tone. Tolani had a lighter skin tone than her elder sister.  He thought.
He swiped on the screen. The next picture came on. It was Ife alone. She was sporting a yellow tank-top, a face cap and slacks.
She looked really great. He thought.
His phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Hey Wole, whats up?” Gbolahan said.
“Hey Gbolahan. Whats up?”
“Oga said he would appreciate if you can come in first thing tomorrow morning…”
“Guy, I’m on leave na.”
“He said it was urgent and you are the one skilled for the task.”
“Jesus Christ!”
“Sorry bro. But I think you would be properly compensated.”
“That’s what they always say. Abeg free me jhoor.”
“No be me na. Why you come dey vex for me?”
“Na you they send.”
“Anyway, I don tell you.”
“Men, I no like this kind thing ooo.”
“Take care Wole.”
“Ok bro. Thanks men.”
“See you tomorrow then…”
“Get out of my phone. You this silly somebody…”
There was laughter at the other end of the phone. Wole hung up.
He threw his phone on the bed and lay down.
What Kind of work is this hehn? A brother cannot enjoy his leave for Christ sake.
His younger brother walked in. He was excited.
“Bro, I got good news for you.”
Wole matched his excitement with a big smile.
“She said she’d be coming around tomorrow.”
“Here?”
“Yes.”
“What time?”
“I’m not sure but I suspect it would sometime in the afternoon.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I told her my brother likes her song and would love to meet her in person…”
“Just that?”
“Well.. I did some cajoling sha.”
“Tomorrow. Tomorrow…”
Wole stirred at his feet.
Sukanmi looked surprised. “Whats up?”
“My boss just called me that he needs me to come in tomorrow.”
“Oh smokes…”
“Yeah, smokes.”
Sukanmi paused for a moment and pondered.
“I could drive by some place where we could meet after work.” Wole said breaking the silence.
“Bro, this your job that you often don’t know when you will close.”
Wole sighed and leaned back.
“I don spin that chick mehn.”
“Just tell her the truth.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“I don’t know if she would take me seriously the next time I ask.”
“You won’t need to…”
Sukanmi looked at his brother.
“Forget about it.”
“Really?”
“Yep. I’d get to her myself. Would she want you to give me her number?”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Ok no problem. Just tell her the truth.”
“Ok.”
Sukanmi stood up.
“Hey…” Wole called back as his brother got to the door.
Sukanmi turned back to face his brother.
“Thanks.”
“No worries. Anything for my number one financier and big brother.”
“Oh I see…”
Sukanmi stepped out of the room.
Father I don’t know where this is going but please help me to trust You even when things don’t make sense. Thank You Lord in Jesus Name. He whispered a short prayer and stood up.
*        *        *
The phone under the pillow buzzed. It was customary for Jennifer to set her phone to buzz at about 4:30am. It was the time she would wake up and loot her victim.
She stretched on the bed. The phone buzzed again. She moved again but this time she opened her eyes and stretched a second time.
Benjamin was not on the bed.
She threw the Duve over and stood up.
“Benjamin…” She called out gently.
There was no response.
There was light slipping through the curtains from the security post downstairs. It was the only source of light at the time.
Jennifer began to pick her steps carefully till she got to the door.
“Benjamin…” She called out again.
The big chandelier was switched off. The place was dark.
“Benjamin. Benjamin.” She called out again.
There was still no response.
She went back into the room to pick up her phone.

“I think I have the girl you are looking for.” Benjamin spoke into the phone.
“Are you sure?” The voice on the other end asked.
“I am certain she is the one you are looking for.”
“How did you find her?”
“I don’t give details of how I do my job. You pay my organization to find someone, I find the person and that’s it.”
“Where is she now?”
“Upstairs in the room, sleeping.”
“Please keep her with you. I would be on my way when the day breaks.”
“No worries. Take your time. She’s a very sweet one and very good. I think you should come pick her up later today. I’d love to spend sometime with her. That’s if you don’t mind.”
“Ok, no problem. Just don’t let her leave your sight. Shes is smarter than she looks.”
“I know that much.”

Benjamin. Benjamin.
A voice called from the other side of the pool.
“Hey, I gotta go.”
“Ok keep me posted.”
Benjamin hung the call as Jennifer walked up to him.
“Jesus, Ben I’ve almost screamed my ears out looking for you.”
“So sorry. I sometimes wake up and just sit by the pool.”
“You were on a call…”
Jennifer sat on the seat beside him. She stretched her legs.
“Yeah. Called my friends.”
“At this time of the day?”
“Not friends here in Nigeria.”
“Oh I see…”
“Girl you are something else…” Benjanmin said licking his lips.
Jennifer smiled.
“Never had it this good in a while.”
“How long have you been around?”
“Well, this should be my second month.”
“And you move around a lot?”
“I try.”
Jennifer nodded.
“It’s cold out here.”
“I’m used to it.”
“I’m not. And I’m going back upstairs. Are you coming?”
“Sure. I’d be with you in a bit.”
“Still want to talk to your friends or is it your wife or girlfriend you are calling…?”
Jennifer asked as she walked away.
Benjamin smiled, “You are one curious cat ain’t you?”
She did not respond. She just walked on.
Benjamin kept his eyes on her until she entered the house.
Hot. Super hot. He thought.
*        *        *
Jide rushed up the flight of stairs. He was carrying two plastic bags. He pressed the bell.
There was no response. He tried it again.
There still was no response. The music must have subdued the bell. He pulled out his phone and called Stella.
A few seconds later, she was at the door.
She was sporting one of his favorite t-shirts.
Adaora bought that t-shirt. He mused.
He liked it. He kissed her and walked in.
She closed the door behind him.
“Isn’t the music too loud?” He asked.
He went to the kitchen and emptied the contents of the bag in the fridge.
“What did you buy for me?”
“I bought a lot for you.” He flashed her the pack of condoms.
“Is that all you have for me?”
“No. I will make yam and egg for you now.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
Stella walked up to him and started kissing him. He responded without hesitating. She began to fumble with his belt. He pulled his t-shirt over her head.
He continued to kiss her. She pushed him away gently.
Then she pulled his hand luring him towards his room.
By the time they got to his bed, he had lost all his clothes except his underpants.
He reached out to her and grabbed her. She pushed him so he fell flat on the bed. He was licking his lips. She started dancing. Twisting and turning around seductively.
Jide stood up and joined her.
Suddenly she paused.
“What?”
She looked over his shoulder towards the door. He followed her direction.
There stood Bimpe and Adaora.
Jide froze. His mouth fell open.
*        *        *
It was past 6 in the evening and the night was falling slowly. People were closing up for the day. Offices were locking up and calling it a day. The evening breeze was welcoming. After the Sun had taken its toll, many received the blessing of the breeze with great delight. Some men were coming together at a small bar.
Francis decided to take a walk. He was taking his younger sister’s advice. He seldom walked in the evening as he spent most of his time at the restaurant.
He had asked everyone to leave early today. He wanted them to take sometime off to rest. Everyone greeted his magnanimity with excitement.

He saw a young lady struggling with the tire of her car. She was trying to change it. He ignored her and continued to walk. All these rich girls with their fancy cars and nasty attitude.
He crossed to the other side of the road and continued to walk. He looked back at the lady. She was frustrated. She stood up to her feet angrily. She started to look around if there was someone she could call for help. She looked exhausted.
Some men walked by her. She called out to them but they ignored her. Francis stopped walking.
She started walk around her car towards the driver’s side. She pulled out her phone. She looked at it for a few seconds and threw it back in her bag, angrily.
Francis felt empathy for her.
He walked toward her and crossed towards her car.
When she saw him coming, she began to call out.
“Please can you help me. Please I beg you in God’s name.”
“What is wrong?”
“Oh, thank God. I don’t know, I think my jack is stuck or something.”
Francis went to the side with the bad tire and bent down. He began to work the jack. He turned it in one direction but it was stiff. He tried it in another direction and got the samething. He stood to his feet. The lady had walked up to where he was.
“Yeah, it looks stuck alright.”
“I don’t know what to do.”
Francis bent down again.
“Let me give it another try.”
It made a crackling sound as he applied effort. But it did not move. He tried it again. It made the same crackling sound. Then he bent down so he could see where the jack connected to the under of the car. She had placed it correctly but she had not pulled out the small control pin that keeps the jack from working properly. He pulled the pin out and started to work the jack again. It worked without hassle.
She was excited.
“What did you do?”
“Next time, you need to pull out this pin.”
“Oh my bad.”
“It’s ok.”
“Thank you so much.”
“It’s no problem.”
He pulled out the knots from the tire and brought it out of the secure. Then, he replaced it with the extra tire and tied the knots properly.
She just stood watching in excitement.
“Be careful around this street. People are not very friendly especially to a lady at this hour. You get what I mean?”
“Yes I do. Thank you very much.”
 “Ok. I think the tire is secure now. Open your trunk so I can help you with this one.”
She went quickly to her driver’s side and pulled the small lever under her seat. The trunk bumped open.
Francis took the flat tire and placed it careful inside the trunk.
“Thank you so much. You are a hero.”
Francis smiled.
She went into her car and started the engine.
“I’m Tolani by the way.”
“I’m Francis.”
She gave him her card. “Thank you Francis. God bless you.”
“Yeah, thanks. Drive carefully.”
“I will. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
She drove off.
He looked at the business card. It had her name boldly written; Tolani Moye-Williams. Project Business Development. BlueMark Consulting.  Her number and email were also on it.
He put it in his pocket and continued to walk.
Maybe Christine is right afterall.
 He smiled.
She would have a lot to say when he tells her tonight.
*        *        *
Jide stood there with his pants down and his eyes opened wide.
After a few seconds of puzzlement, he came back to himself. He pulled up his pants.
Adaora and Bimpe walked into the room.
He could not look at them. He tried to push them aside so he could run off but Stella was quick to shut the door.
“Where exactly are you going?”
His eyes were darting back and forth.
Adaora spoke first.
“What kind of guy are you? Threating people’s heart like this… ”
Stella added, “The fool was about to have sex with me now.”
Bimpe did not say anything. She was dumpfounded.
“That thing between your legs is what you use to think abi? You have lost every functioning in your head.” Stella added.
“I don’t know what to say. You will regret this Jide. Afterall I told you, you still did this to me. You will pay for this. I promise you. You will.” Bimpe spoke finally.
“So you feel as a player you would always get away with it abi?” Stella said angrily.
Jide looked away. Contempt was written on his face.
“You are such a dog. Jide, you are a dog! A shameless dog!” Adaora stormed out of the room. She was close to tears.
Bimpe walked up to him. He adjusted as she came closer.
“There is something you don’t know, life pays back. You think you would get away with this? Huh? Watch it.” She finished and followed after Adaora.
“You this bastard. You are lucky. You are very lucky. These girls no be like me. We for beat you nearly die here. Chai! And me I no fit handle you alone. If not I for take time beat you die. You this shameless idiot! Na only you get dick? We for cut am comot for you today!”
She picked up his phone and threw it in his direction. He was quick. He dodged the attack as the thing hit the wall and scattered on the floor.
“What’s that now?” Jide shouted at her. “Why you go spoil my phone?”
Stella went to the scattered pieces and picked up the screen. She then threw it against the wall. The screen cracked. The glass fell off.
Jide stormed in her direction. She bent to hide her face as he raised his hand to slap her.
“Jide I swear, if you touch me, you will sleep in the jail today.”
“Get out of my house. Bitch!”
He pushed her away.
Stella did not move. She was very angry.

A few minutes later, three men stormed into his room. They were tall and muscular. Stella saw them and was scared stiff.
Jide did not see them on time. When he turned and saw them, it was too late.
They descended on him with blows. He tried to fight back but they overpowered him.
He was tossing and turning but the blows and kicks kept coming. His face was a bloody mess in few minutes.
The men stopped and looked at him. He was bent over from the pain that ran through his body. His lower lip was split open from a blow that landed a hit. One of the men kicked him. He screamed under the pain.
When they were satisfied they left the room.
They looked at Stella and left the room.
Stella just stood and watched the whole thing happen. She was so scared she just stood on the same spot.
After she figured they were far gone, she picked up her bag and was about to leave the house when another young man walked in.
He looked angry. He did not even look at her. He just walked into Jide’s room. She followed the young man.
“Stupid fool! You brought this on yourself. You hear me!”
The young man walked closer to Jide who was still sprawled on the floor, writhing in much pain.
“I hope you can hear me even if you can’t see my face. You this stupid he-goat! It’s me Morris. You remember me? You slept with my sister? Dorris, you remember? I told you to stay the hell away from her. You would not hear. You brought this on yourself! You couldn’t keep your stupid dick away. I should have had them cut it off for you!”
He bent over Jide and spat on him. “Fool. I’m sure this would teach you a lesson.”
Jide was trying to mumble some words. Morris bent closer.
“You say what?”
“Pl-le-le-ase, he-lp me. I’m dy-i-ing.”
“Oh yeah? Do you think I care? Huh?”
Stella shook her head and gently walked out of the house.
*        *        *
“I’ve been with you all day now. And the truth is, I normally don’t stay more than six hours with my clients.” Jennifer said sitting on Benjamin’s laps.
Benjamin smiled.
“And why have you stayed?”
“I don’t know…”
“Well, it’s good you don’t.”
“Why?”
“If you did, you might change your mind and want to leave.”
“Maybe…” She kissed him.
She liked him. He was tall, broad shoulders, very fit, lean muscles, and very rich. And he seems to have been a little hard to control. She savored the challenge.
She stood up and went to the mini bar to help herself with some whiskey.
Benjamin’s phone beeped. He looked at it and said, “Give me a minute, would you?”
“Alright. Just don’t wonder too far away.”
Benjamin smiled again. He walked towards her and kissed her on the forehead.
She smiled up at him.
Then he left her and walked away.
She walked to the big leather sofa and sat down. She picked up the remote control and increased the volume of the Television.
She looked back for signs of Benjamin.  She leaned back on the sofa and stretched her legs.

After about half an hour, there was still no sign of Benjamin. She got up from the sofa and went to look for him. She went to his room but he wasn’t there. She went to the kitchen and found the cook.
“Have you seen Benjamin please?”
The cook just sneered at her and did not answer.
She ignored her and went on her search.
She walked down the stairs.
“Benjamin. Benjamin.” She called out.
There was no answer.
She walked out onto the porch. The swimming pool was tempting. Clear and blue.
She continued to walk.
“Benjamin. Benjamin are you there?”
Still no sign of him.
She saw two men discussing. They did not see her. They looked engrossed in their discussion. So, she walked up to them.
“Good morning.”
They turned towards her almost automatically. They must have been gossiping. She thought.
One of the men answered, “Good morning.”
The other one just gawked at her with his eyes.
“Please, do you know where Benjamin is?”
“I no know where oga Ben go ooo.”
She looked at the other one who obviously wasn’t listening . His eyes were ravaging her.
He just shrugged.
She left them.
“Where did this guy go?” She said to herself.
She walked around the house to the front. He wasn’t there either.
She then turned back, making her way through the aisle towards the parking lot.
“Benjamin. Benjamin. Are you there?”
No one was there.
She stood and looked around.
“Where did this guy go?”
She started to walk towards the house, and then he appeared.
“Jesus Christ, Benjamin! Where did you go?”
“I’ve been upstairs.”
“That’s a lie.”
“Huh? Why?”
“I looked for you there. Why do you just like to disappear?”
“Maybe I’m a ghost.”
“God forbid.”
He held her hands. She looked up at him.
“I was getting scared.”
“Yeah? Why?”
“Your house is a big place and I don’t think many of the people who walk for you like my face…”
“Don’t worry about them. They are foten like that.”
“Yeah?”
He nodded.
“You definitely have had a lot of girls come through your house.”
“Well… ” He shrugged.
She cocked her head to the side with a raised eyebrow.
“I see. So you are not married huh? Or you just kept your wife and kids in the US and come to Nigeria to hump, right?”
“Come on… That’s none of your business.”
Jennifer broke her hands free and walked into the house. Benjamin followed in her wake.
“Are you falling in love with me, Vanessa?”
She did not answer. She just kept walking.
He grabbed her by the arm and turned her around.
“Are you?”
She wanted to say something but then she closed her mouth.
She yanked her arm off and went up the flight of stairs. Benjamin smiled and went off.

Jennifer went into the room and started to pack her things. She sat down for a moment.
This guy is something. He has gotten me fallen head over heels. No man in a very long time has made me feel this way. What’s going on with me? No man. Ever.
After Felix, no other man.
She sighed.
Benjamin stood at the doorway.
“What’s up Vanessa?”
She didn’t look at him.
“If you are in love with me, why not admit it? There’s nothing wrong in falling in love with a client. Afterall, a client is someone too. ”
She got up and wore her pants.
“Are you leaving now?”
She did not answer.
He walked into the room towards her.
“Leave me the hell alone Ben.” She avoided his face.
He continued towards her until he held her.
“Why is it so difficult to admit Vanessa? I can see it in your eyes.”
She did not look at him and she did not try to wriggle her way off him.
He raised her face with his finger until she was looking directly into his eyes.
“Just tell me the truth, Vanessa.”
Jennifer closed her eyes.
He smiled and kissed her. She responded back without hesitating
After a few seconds, they broke it off. Benjamin sighed and led her to the bed.
“Sit down.” He said.
She obeyed.
“I’m not married and also not searching for love. I can’t stay with one woman. I travel a lot and I find women everywhere. So… ”
“I figured that much. The truth is…”
“The truth is…?” He looked casually at her.
“I have not felt like this for any man in a very very long time. Not ever. And my stupid self falls in love with a client? I can’t believe myself.”
“Its ok to fall in love. Sometimes it happens that you fall in love with the wrong person. But it happens.”
“Not me Ben. Not me.”
“Everyone of us falls victim to our feelings and desires. It’s natural.”
“Yeah.”
“So why don’t you stay till tomorrow. Its getting late and I love to have you around.”
“It’s just a couple of minutes after nine.”
“That’s late by my time.”
“Why are you getting all caring and shit with me?”
“I’m trying to be nice.”
“So you are not a nice person?”
“I am. I’m just not the kind that has time to share emotions and feelings.”
“So what’s your inspiration?”
“Money and more money.”
“You seem to have a lot of that.”
“It’s never enough.”
“Some people would be grateful if they have only a quarter of what you have…”
“Well… I guess I’m greedy.”
“Yes you are.”
They both smiled.
Benjamin looked at her. He felt for her.
He stood up.
“Where would I find you this time as you have a way of disappearing?”
“I’d be in the lounge downstairs.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” He nodded.
She watched him walk out of the room.
*        *        *
“Guess what happened today?”
“What?”
“I was taking a walk down the street some hours ago. And…”
“And what…?”
“I saw this lady trying to replace her flat tire. At first I ignored her and walked away but after a while I saw she was struggling so I offered to help.”
“Ok…”
“Anyway long story short, she gave me her card.”
“That’s good. And…”
“She’s kind of cute. I mean she’s really beautiful.”
“Hmmm. So you want to call her…?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why?”
“It would look somehow. Like she was just being nice and I’m trying to… You know…”
“See, Francis, there’s no way you would ever know if your fears are true or not until you try it.”
“You think?”
“I know. I’m a woman. If a woman doesn’t want anything to do with you, you would know. She gave you her card. That’s something..”
“Are you sure? She might just be acting nice.”
“I’m sure. I’m a woman. If she gave you her card, it’s an indication that she finds you someone she can have dealings with. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an initimate relationship.”
“So when do I call her?”
“When do you think you should?”
“Now?”
Christine shrugged. “It’s your choice. But until you do, you will never know. What’s the worst that can happen? She would say no, right?”
He nodded.
“And what does that have to do with anything. She doesn’t want you like that and so…?”
She gave him back the card. “Nice name. Tolani Moye-Williams. I kind of like the ring to her name.”
Francis fumbled with the card.
Christine left his room.
He looked at the time. It was 11:14pm. He took out his phone and entered the phone number on the card.
What’s the worst that can happen? She says no. And so…?
He pushed the ok button.
The dial tone came on. It went on with no response.
He tried it a second time. Still no response.
He dropped his phone and laid down on the bed. She might be in bed now.
Then his phone began to ring. She was calling back.
He picked it.
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
“I’m so sorry. This is Francis. Remember me?”
“Francis? From where?”
Her voice was sweet.
“I know this isn’t the best hour to call, I just wanted to make sure you got home safely.”
“Oh Francis… You were the one that helped me with my tire right?”
“Yes.”
“No, its ok. I was just about to go to bed. And yeah I got home safely. Thanks alot.”
“You are welcome.”
“Is this your number?”
“Yes it is.”
Christine walked into the room then. She had a smile on her face.
“Ok I will save it. Good night Francis.”
“Good night. Sleep well.”
“You too.”
She hung up the call.

Francis smiled at his sister. She was waiting with a smile on her face too.
“What happened? What did she say?” She could not wait.
“She was nice. She saved my number.”
“Ok, that’s a good start. So you called her and said what exactly?”
“Asked her if she got home safely and that I was just checking on her.”
“Nice. Not that she would dream about you tonight but at least, you are not a stranger.”
Francis smiled. “My younger sister is schooling me on men’s moves.”
“Well… After the incident with Victoria, I have not seen you make much progress with finding a special someone.”
“Yeah. That was some painful past.”
“Heart break is something you can always prepare for. Human beings are highly unstable mammals emotionally. Someone loves you so much they can die for you today and tomorrow they don’t want anything to do with you. Most times, feelings and emotions are mixed up. Even with my guy, I keep my fingers crossed and enjoy everyday has it comes with him. Until we get married, I don’t keep my expectations unnecessarily high. Once, you have that at the back of your mind even if a good relationship breaks up, you can heal faster.”
Francis nodded.
“But how do you have a good relationship with that kind of opinion at the back of your mind?”
“It’s a way to preserve your sanity and peace of mind. Most times, love is often misguided by emotions. So as much as I love my guy to pieces, I keep it at the back of my mind that, he could flip tomorrow.”
“I don’t know ooo. That kind of thinking is somehow…”
“Well, it works for me. I’ve had two break ups. You remember how messed up I was when Denuga broke up with me?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ve learnt my lesson.”
“I’ve had my own first share too.”
“I’d say, love hard, and love with an open mind. Never short circuit your mind with emotional melodrama.”
“I think you should go to bed now chums.”
“You are pursuing me abi?”
“Its almost midnight. You should be sleeping now.”
“Ok ooo. I’m leaving your room.”
“Love you chums.”
“Love you too bro.”
She left his room.
He leaned back on his bed and closed his eyes.
A new journey lies ahead.
*        *        *
The music was low.
Kojo rocked gently back and forth on the chair. There was a cup of coffee on his table cooling down.
The music played on. Solemnly.
The house was quiet and he had been alone by himself safe the house-help. The study had become a place of succor. He often wandered into the study every time he had the chance.
The house was nothing without his wife, Tadeke. He had hoped she would come back but she had not returned for over three months. His call had either been ignored or cut. He could not call his children for fear of what they might say.
How will my kids look at me? How will my daughter feel? One wrong action is going to cost me my family? God, please I beg You, Help me make my family understand. Help them to forgive me. Help my wife to trust me again. I would never repeat this act again. Never. Lord please.
The music faded as his mind wandered.
If I could just turn back the hands of time. If only I could…
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
The house-help came in.
“The food is ready sir.”
“Okay. I will be out shortly.”
“Okay sir.”
She turned around and left the study.
Kojo continued to rock gently on his chair.
God what do I do? I don’t want to loose my family.
His thought wandered for a while until a there was a knock at the door the second time.
“Come in.”
When his house-help walked in, he stood up.
*        *        *
Jennifer walked down the flight of stairs quickly.
“Ben, where are you?” She called out when she did not see him in the lounge.
“This guy is so restless.” She said to herself. She walked to the pool but he wasn’t there. Then she turned around the house and came towards the front porch. There he was.
He was talking to someone. The man was not as tall as Benjamin but was tall. Much bigger than Benjamin and much broader.
She could not see his face clearly because he was wearing a face cap. She walked back into the house.
What could they be talking about at this time of the day?
She shrugged. She made her way back to the small lounge adjacent to the living room. It had such cozy chairs that she loved. She picked up the remote and switched on the Television. She walked up to the small bar and helped herself with a glass of Chandon.
She went back to the sofa and sat down.
There were footsteps coming up behind her. She smiled.
“Benjamin, you are such a restless fellow…”
“Hello Jennifer.”

The world stood still at that moment. The whole place went black for a split second. The glass she was holding fell to the floor and shattered, spilling it contents.  
She closed her eyes and hoped she was dreaming.
Then the voice came again.
“Hello Jennifer.”
She kept her breathe and would not let go for a few seconds.
The voice was very familiar. She knew the voice so well. She won’t miss it even if she was asleep.
She opened her eyes to see the smiling face of Martins looking down at her.
She froze.
He smiled again.
She turned around to look at Benjamin. He was not looking in her direction. He was looking at the floor.
Martins sat down gently beside her. She jumped up to her feet. Martins grabbed her arms.
“Sit down Jennifer, there’s no point trying to run away. There's no way out of this for you this time.”
She looked at him. He smiled.
“I’m the only one who knows that you have been found. So relax. Let’s talk like old times… You are one heck of a fast-foot.”
Jennifer was dumbfounded. Somewhere at the back of her mind, she saw herself run so fast she pushed Benjamin out of the way and she was out of the house; out of harms way.
But she knew that was never going to happen. She can’t push Benjamin out of the way and Martins is so close to her, any attempt to get to her feet would be met by cold hard grip. So she sat down and hoped for an opening.
She could feel her heart beating twice as fast.
Benjamin came around and sat down.
“Ok guys I believe we can settle this amicably.”
“Benjamin, fuck you!” She poured out at him.
“Calm down Jennifer.”Martins said.
She looked at Benjamin again. He was looking back. His expression was blank, almost unreadable.
“Just give him the damn money and let everything get back to normal…”
“Hold up Ben.” Martins cuts in.
“I have delivered on my task. I don’t know why this has to go on in my house?” Benjamin asked Martins getting to his feet.
“Please Ben, just this time.”
Jennifer imagined in her mind that the two men got into a fight and she took the opportunity. She imagined they started to push things around the house and she saw the opening and got away. But nothing of such was happening. She sat down hoping and imagining.
“I almost died you know. I had a gun pointed to my head because of you Jennifer. I have been threatened on many occasions. My salary has been slashed. Now, I’m on a limp here. I would just forget about everything and let you off the handle if you can just give me the money Jennifer.”
“I don’t have any money.”
Martins smiled.
“I don’t think you understand the position you are faced with? The Chief would throw you out to his dogs and those guys would man handle until you are out of breathe. Then he would cut your fingers with your eyes opened. He would torture you while you are awake. And afterwards, he would throw you off to die on some deserted place. I have seen him do this to people on many occasions. He would not just kill you; he would painfully drain life out of you. You would wish he killed you instead.”
Jennifer pretended like she was not affected by the threats.
“So I would ask you again and this time, I want you to think very well about your answer…”
“I don’t have the money. I told you already. I was outsmarted.”
Martins started to laugh. Benjamin joined.
“Do we look like fools to you…?” Martins said.
Benjamin left them.
“See Jennifer, I would keep this between us for old time sake.”
“Honestly Martins, I am also tired of running. The money was stolen…”
“Ok, say I believe you. Who stole it?”
“A friend of mine.”
“What goes around comes around I see…” He leaned back.
Jennifer looked pleadingly at him.
“I swear Martins, the money is not with me anymore. I swear.”
“All I have to do is call the Chief that I have found you and I can guarantee that this time tomorrow you will be dead.”
“Martins I swear. What do I stand to gain now…?”
“I don’t believe you Jennifer. You fooled me once. No, not now.”
Jennifer went on her knees.
“I’m so sorry Martins. I swear. The money was stolen from me. If not, I won’t be here…”
Martins shook his head.
Benjamin appeared. He had a glass in his hand that contained liquor.
“Ben, please help me here…” Jennifer turned to Benjamin.
“No, this part is none of my business. It’s between you and him.”
Martins sighed.
“It cost me lot to find you. A lot of money. And you tell me its all for nothing…? I was hoping when I found you, we could share the money somehow…”
“It’s all gone.”
The house-help came and cleaned up the broken glass.
“Ben can you believe this? After all you and your firm charged for this…”
Benjamin shrugged.
“I don’t believe you Jennifer and I can’t help you.”
“Why not just pull out your gun and shoot me instead…. I don’t have the goddamn money.”
Martins stood up. He pulled out his phone. Fumbled with the buttons and then made a call.
“Sir, we’ve found her.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes sir.”
“So bring her over.”
“I thought to bring her in first thing tomorrow.”
“No. I need to see her tonight.”
Jennifer saw the opening; Martins was backing her and Benjamin was glued to a magazine he was reading.
She jumped up and moved quickly.
Martins turned and without much effort grabbed her hand quickly. She spurned around and fell back on the chair.
His phone fell off his hand.
Benjamin did not move.
“Benjamin, fuck you! You hear me!”
Benjamin returned the magazine gently.
“Jennifer or Vanessa or whatever your real name is… It’s nothing personal. It’s just business.”
“Got to hell! You hear me! Motherfucker!! You back stabbing asshole! Fuck you!! You hear me? Fuck you!!!”
“Why all the swearing?” Benjamin replied gently.
Martins picked up his phone.
“So sorry sir.”
“What happened?”
“She tried to break free.”
“She’d better not. You understand me?!”
“Yes sir.”
The call ended.
“Martins I don’t have this money. What do you want me to do? Change to money.”
It fell on deaf ears.
“Ben can I get something to tie her up. She could be trouble if I do otherwise.”
“Martins please not like this. Please Martins don’t let my life waste for nothing... Please Martins.” She pleaded.
Martins did not say anything. Benjamin got to his feet and went off.
“Martins what can I give you to save my life? I beg you please.”
She moved closer to him and started to rub on his arm seductively.
“Get off me, bitch!”
“Fuck you Martins! Fuck you!!!”
He did not reply.
She jumped to her feet. She was not going down without a fight.
Martins was on his feet as well. She rushed in quickly, slashing her finger nails in all directions. Martins dodged the hit. He grabbed her left arm and turned it so much so that she squirmed. She felt pangs of pain working its way across her shoulder from the twisted grip. She held still.
When Martins saw that she was still, he released the grip but not her arm.
“Sit down and make this easy for everyone.”
She acted liked she was going to sit down making Martins release her hand. She immediately clawed on his face. He was not fast enough. Her nail went deep into the skin of his face. He stumbled at the attack but did not fall over. Jennifer went left and tried to run. He grabbed her by her hair. Her head jerked back. She lost her balance and fell over. Martins was by her side quickly. He pressed her down with his knee. He applied pressure. She screamed.
Benjamin came rushing in. He had mastering tape with him.
Martins face had cut that were turning red and releasing red crimson. One of the hit had missed his right eye. It was very close.
“You’ve got guts girl. You’ve got guts. I am only constrained by order. If not, I would have twisted your neck myself.”
Jennifer wriggled.
Benjamin helped to tie her with the mastering tape. He tie her legs together with the mastering tape. She continued to wriggle.
She began to cry.
After they had tied her hands together, Martins stood to his feet.
“Can we at least take the mastering tape off her mouth?” Benjamin said.
“It’s none of your business at this point. You should have the balance in your account in say three hours time.”
The two men shook hands.
“It was nice doing business with you.” Benjamin said.
Martins nodded.
Jennifer kept her teary eyes on Benjamin.
Martins lifted her on his shoulder. She struggled but to no avail.
*        *        *
He looked around scouting the numerous faces that thronged the parking lot. He was searching for Ife.
He had not seen her in awhile but today was a special service in church. Most people do not like to miss special services in the church.
He stopped when he saw a face that seemed to match hers but she was far off. He waited some seconds watching the face move closer. When she was 15 feet away, he realized, she wasn’t Ife. He looked away. Still scouting.

Tolani looked at her sister.
“You should at least give this guy a chance”
“I don’t know. I kind of like him but…”
“It’s not like if you go on a date with him, you will get pregnant…”
“Shut up, silly girl.”
“But it’s the truth. This guy likes you so much. We chat a lot on BB. He sounds like a very nice dude.”
“All guys sound nice.”
“True. But I think you should give Wole a shot.”
“What makes you so sure about this guy?”
“We talk about a lot of things. Honestly, if I did not have a boyfriend, I would have fallen for him.”
“Oh yeah? Go ahead now.”
“I already have a boyfriend. He loves you Ife. I’m serious.”
“I’m not that into him like that…”
“And that’s because…?”
“How much did he pay you?”
Tolani smiled.
“I don’t know… He sounds like a very nice guy but…”
“Go on a date with him and find out for yourself whatever your buts are…”
The two were walking towards their car in the parking lot.

Wole turned to walk back to his car.
He saw them coming way ahead. The Moye-William sisters. He thought.
They saw him too.
Tolani started towards him with a smile. Ife followed at a slow pace.

“Hi”
“Hello, Wole.”
“Hi, Ife.”
“Hello.”
“Nice to see you guys.”
Ife nodded.
Tolani collected the car keys from Ife and walked on. When she was standing behind Wole, she made a face at Ife. Ife smiled in response.
She left them.
“So how have you been?”
“I’ve been well. You?”
“Kept my head above water and grateful.”
She nodded.
“You look really nice.”
“Thank you.”
“So what’s your Sunday evening looking like?”
“You always ask me this question everytime. I told you my Sunday evening is unpredictable.”
“I was just checking if you might be free today.”
“Not sure…”
“Come one Ife…”
“I will let you know if I will be free.”
“You’ve refused to give me your number.”
“I thought you had found a way to get it off Tola.”
“No. I would not do that. She offered but I said no.”
“Why?”
“I just thought it would be a little bit off.”
Ife shrugged.
“So can I have your number?”
“Let me think about how this evening would go and if I need to call you, I will and then you would have my number.”
“Ok. That’s fine.”
“Alright then, have a good week ahead.”
“Let me see you off to your car.”
“No don’t worry.”
Wole shrugged.
She walked on.
He could see Tolani waving at him some cars away. He waved back.

“So how did it go?”
“How did what go?”
“Why are you doing gengeun now?”
“Abeg start the car make we dey go house jhoor…”
“I won’t until you tell me.”
“Then we both would sleep in the car.”
“Oya please.”
“You are aproko.”
“Ehn, leave me like that. Oya what happened?”
“He kind of asked me out on a date….”
“And…?”
“And what?”
“What did you say?”
“I told him I would call him to let him know.”
“Today?”
“Yeah. This evening. Very impromptu.”
“Come on Ife, why are you forming for the guy….?”
“I’m not forming. I’m not just sure if we’d, you know…”
“He is cute. He is handsome. He has a great job. He is a lonely bachelor. He is a born again Christian. He is friendly. What more do you want?”
“Much more.”
“Like…?”
“Start the car or you give me the keys. I’m hungry.”
“You see yourself…”
Tolani looked at her sister.
“If you had said yes now, he would have taken us to a lovely restaurant where we would have eaten continental things…”
Ife began to laugh.
“I’m not sure you are my real sister…. Where dem born you sef? And I don’t know where all the food you eat goes…”
Tolani started the car.
“Just call him and let him know you would be free.”
“I’m not going to be free.”
“You are something Ife.”
“Just a sister trying to protect herself from ravenous wolves…”
They both started laughing.
Tolani pulled the car out of the parking lot and into the traffic.
“Not all men are wolves.”
“Yeah. But you have to be patient and careful.”
“Sure.”
“I’ve prayed about him.”
“And what did you get?”
“Nothing.”
“Well… I’m not one of those people waiting for the clouds to turn purple and the heaven open before I know I have found Mr right.”
“Really?”
“There’s nothing like Mr right in the bible.”
“Pastor Tola, preach!”
“No seriously. I believe that the conditions for Mr right is first, the man must be born again. He becomes right by the righteousness of God in Christ. Secondly, he believes in the power of the word of God. He believes in the Holy Spirit and sees God’s Word as inviolable.  And three, two of you must agree to be together as one. Anything after these is secondary. Else, why do those who say they’ve found Mr right, have arguments in their marriages? Why do we hear of Mr right beating up his wife? Why do we hear of Mr right cheating on his wife? It’s beyond just chemistry, emotions, feelings and all that. I’m not saying those are not important. Of course they are. It’s just that you need to make sure the foundation is right. A man cannot be born again without the right character. A man cannot believe in the Word of God without giving regards to his wife. And every marriage would go through test, but if the two agree to stay together, they would weather the storm.”
“Keep your eyes on the road abeg.”
“I am. Don’t worry. But it’s the truth, Many ladies put the cart before the horse; reasons why many are not married today. They are waiting for angel Gabriel to deliver a message to them like Mary on whom to marry. They go wait tire.”
“That’s not my portion in Jesus Name.”
“Amen. But Ife, the truth is you can only find out who Wole by giving him a chance. You have the Spirit of God, He would open Wole up to you.”
“I hear you.”
“So are you going?”
“Oh, is that why you started another sermon?”
“No, I just want you to be happy. That’s all.”
“And who says I’m not?”
“I know you Ife. After that incident, you looked at men with disgust and contempt.”
“Is it my fault?”
“Of course not.”
“I’m much better now abi? You said so yourself.”
“Yes you are and I’m really happy about it. So give Wole a chance. Just get to know him as a person. No angel would come and speak to you in your deream telling you which man to marry. You have to walk by faith not sight. Faith…”
“E don do ooo pasito Tolani.”
Tolani made a turning to the right climbing up the Gbagada bridge.
“Just think about it.”
“I would. And I’m going to find out what you have been telling me about him.”
“You know I would tell him everything great about you.”
“I’m hungry Tola. My belly is rumbling.”
“We are almost home.”
“What do we have at home to eat?”
“Not sure. I could help you fry egg and plantain.”
“God, I love you Tola. Muuuuah.”
“So would you go?”
“Maybe.”
“You should Ife. You should.”
“I said maybe.”
“No more fried egg and plantain for you.”
“Ok. I wil go.”
*        *        *
“Let’s adopt one.” Sarah suggested to her husband.
“Adopt? Are you sure?” Uche asked his wife.
“Yeah. I’d pour the same love on the child like the child is mine.”
Uche looked at his wife, surprised.
“Where is this coming from?”
“Just something I’ve been thinking about lately.”
“I hope you are not considering this out of pressure.”
“Pressure…? No.”
“I need to think about it.”
“Sure.”
“And also ask around. We need to know the modalities and find out from those who have experiences about it.”
“Sure.”
“That would be after my trip.”
“Next week abi?”
“Yeah, my trip is next week. So by September, we would start talking about it. But in the mean time, I have a surprise for you.”
“Yeah.” Her face lighted up.
“Read this.”
He handed her his iPad.
He waited.
After a few minutes, she jumped and hugged him.
“Thank you sweetheart.”
“You are welcome.”
“Woow. She’s going to be super excited.”
“I bet.”
“She has been on my case…”
“Is that so? And she got one of the stores in front.”
“If I tell her now, she would rush in here today. Thank you dear. This means a lot to me. ”
“Anything for my lovine.”
Sarah smiled. Her husband was her world. She could not wait to share the news with her younger sister.
“Hello”
“What’s up?”
“Guess what?”
“What?”
“Guess…”
“Oh… I don’t know now. Tell me what is it?”
“Try…”
“Your husband bought you the Benz car.”
“No. Another try…”
“I suck at guessing. Just tell me already…”
“Ok. Brace up for this…”
“Ooooo say it now…”
“Uche got you store in front of the BlueMark Building…”
“Wait… What???”
“I just read a mail from BlueMark that they have decided to give out one of the stores in front to you.”
“No… Are you kidding me?”
“No. I’m not”
There was a loud scream on the other end of the line.
“I’m on my way now. Is Uche home?”
“Yes he is.”
“Tell him not to move a step.”
The line went dead immediately.
She looked at her husband and kissed him.
“She’s on her way. She’s going to have a lot to say…”
“I’m sure.”
“I’m really happy. She quit her law career for fashion and it just seems it was a big mistake on her part. Now, this is a deal breaker.”
Uche smiled and got to his feet.
“Where are you going?”
“I need a drink.”
“She told me to tell you not to move a step.”
“And I haven’t. She said I should not move a step, right?”
Sarah nodded.
“I’ve moved about five steps now. So I’m not breaking the rule.”
Sarah smiled.
Lord, thank You for my husband. I will be forever grateful for a man like him. So caring and true.
He looked back at her like he read her mind, “I’m glad I found you Sarah.”
“You don’t wanna know…”

The door bell rang.
Emmanuella was at the door.
*        *        *
Mr. Samuel Iteru sat at the door peeling bitter kola. He loved to eat bitter kola and he was having some.
Christine came and joined him.
“Christy how you dey?”
She nodded.
The man put down his bitter kola and looked at his daughter. She would never trust or believe him no matter what he said but he was surprised she came to sit with him.
“This one wey you come sidon with me today, hope say nothing?”
“Nothing. I just want to talk to you.”
“Wetin happen?” He had a smirk on his face.
She sighed.
“I forgive you.”
The man looked at her surprised. He could not find his words.
“Wetin you do mama pain me well well make I no lie but if I no forgive you, mama no go happy with me.”
“My pikin no vex for me. I no know that time.”
“Why you come come back when she die?”
“My people tell me say I fit go back house after your mama die.”
Christine shook her head.
“You know say this house wey you dey now, na mama build am?”
“I know.”
“If we sef wan do like you do us, we fit comot you for this house.”
The man looked at her.
“Na mama house na abi?”
The old man looked away. He felt sorry.
“If to say you dey here all the time wey our mama sick, she for no die.”
“I dey very sorry.”
“So your people tell you say your wife don die, you come begin come house. You don sell all your house finish, where you dey think say you go dey sleep?”
“My pikin, I no know.”
“Na hardwork she take send us go school come dey build house ontop. Na the hardwork kill mama. She go work so tey she no dey sleep well. Na everyday she go carry go market go buy goods. Everyday wahala. Na the thing wey kill am be that. If to say you dey, she no go dey do all that wahala.”
“Christy, abeg make una no vex for me.”
“I don think all this thing and I don tell Francis say no be you born me. Say you no be my papa. Say my papa don die…”
“I never die.”
“If to say na only me you meet for house and say Francis don marry comot, walahi no be this house you for dey sleep.”
The man looked away. He knew she was right and stubborn like him. She had inherited his stubborn nature.
“So you go allow make your papa dey sleep outside hehn?”
“Papa, I no come here come follow you fight. I just come tell you say I don forgive you. Everything wey you do, I don forgive you.”
The man looked at his daughter. Tears were beginning to well up. She looked so much like her mother. However, she was stubborn like him.
She went in her knees.
“Papa, me sef I beg you make you forgive me.”
He reached down and pulled her up. “I no vex for you my pikin.”
She held her father. He held on to her too.
Then their teary eyes let loose.

Francis was watching everything from the window of his room. He felt his eyes teary too but he wiped it off with his cuffs.

The sun was setting in the horizon.

****************************************
THE END
****************************************
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