by Eu Aristos
"No... why..?"
“Just asking, I wouldn’t understand why they will keep coming after her life.” Kola said. “Thanks for your time.”
She turned and walked to Kunle's room. On getting there, he was lying calmly.
"Hey..." she hailed him.
He turned to his right and faced towards the door.
"Hey..." He responded with a weak but lovely smile.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm better today..." He said trying to sit up. "Kola told me about your assistantship since I was unavailable."
"Yeaa... It’s nothing..." She said with a smile. At that point she wanted to hug him but held back herself.
"How's Frankie?" He broke her thought. "He's cool. I had to force him to go to school today too."
"Thank You ma…"
“Don't call me ma... Nk will do."
He smiled..."Thanks."
"You know I didn't get to thank you for your services when you worked for me." Nk tried to shift attention from herself.
"It’s nothing..."
"It’s something... You worked with such passion that I can't find around me anymore..."
"I'm sorry I messed up that day...”
*No it wasn't your fault that I had to relieve you." She paused. "I was just...I was having a really bad time and… I was harsh… and..."
He stared at her as she spoke. She was shy... Trying so much not to give herself away...
*It’s OK I understand..."
“No you don’t” she said while at the same time feeling relieved by his intervention.
"Wait... Why aren't you speaking in pidgin English???" Nk asked as she took notice of it for the first time.
"Let's just say, it was part of the job." Kunle said with a grin.
"Uhmmm..." She smiled. "Have you eaten anything..?"
"Yea... They said you paid for food delivery for I and mama. Thanks".
"You are welcome."
"You know you can have your job back if you like..."
"No no no... I have to protect mama and all around me now... I need to concentrate."
"Oh... Yea.... Mama gave me an information for you. But I'll pass it on as soon as you leave this hospital bed."
"I'll be leaving tomorrow. There's something I need to do asap."
"You aren’t strong enough yet... "
"Says who..? I'm strong now." He laughed.
"What did they want from you?" Nk asked as they sat silently.
"Some document for a land that belongs to mama."
"Oh my..." Nk said as she relaxed back.
"What?" Kunle queried.
"You must not give it to them. I promised mama that."
"Is that what you wanted to tell me later..?"
"Yes... I was hoping to..."
"Do you have the document..?"
"No... Not yet. But I know where it is. "
"Then you have to go get it. We should give it to them and get our lives back.*
"No." Nk insisted.
"Why..?"
"Cause the moment you do, they'll hunt us down and kill us. That's what mama said they'll do.”
"You do not know who these people are..." Kunle tried to dissuade her.
"Surely... I don't... But we can't take the risk of losing on both sides too." Nk interjected.
Her phone alarm rang. It was a reminder for her to go pick up Frankie.
∞∞∞
Two hours later, she was back with Frankie. When they entered the hospital, Frankie was all over Kunle. But he soon got sober when he was told he couldn’t see mama again since she had slipped into coma. Nk decided to tell Kunle all what mama told her that afternoon.
"She says I should tell you to go to that contribution woman. She holds more than just her money and that you should demand from her something she called ‘the BOX’. She says we must be ready for anything. The next few days is going to be tough. That we must both stick together. Now I don't know how I got entangled in all this, but I'm so scared now." Silence... “Especially with another attack on Mama and considering that there's a car that has been following me since you were kidnapped."
"We have to leave tonight." Kunle who was listening all through said.
"Leave to where?"
"Since they would be looking for us in our places, we'll go to mama's place. That's the last place they'll be expecting us to be."
NK sighed. She couldn't understand how she went from being a free person to a target. She ran her two hands and fingers through her hair in disbelief. Her phone beeped. It was a message from Nelson.
I'd like to see you. It’s urgent. You wouldn't want to miss what I have to tell you.
Must you see me? Why don't you just type it here? She replied.
No! Number 46 Stell street, Country estate. 7pm tomorrow. Nelson replied adamantly.
"Mtcheeww...* She hissed out.
"What's it..?" Kunle who has been watching her countenance asked.
"It’s nothing. Just work stuff." She lied with a fake smile. He didn't believe her, but he didn't push it.
"Help me up." Kunle pleaded as he tried to rise from the bed. Soon he was standing on his feet. "We have to go." He said defiantly.
"You aren't well yet! What about mama?"
“This is our time now! The securities are having a swap now. Mama isn't going anywhere. We'll come back for her later."
"But... The police will be looking for us."
"If they find us, the enemy finds us too. The lesser the know, the better for us. So let's leave now."
She checked her wristwatch, it was 8pm already. "Wait. Let me call up a taxi." Nk suggested.
Once the driver was there, they left her car there and under the disguise of the night, with Nk carrying the heartbroken and sleeping Frankie, they left the hospital. In 45 minutes, they were at Mama's house. It was a beautiful suburb with high definition houses. Nk could not help but wonder how mama could afford such a place. But she didn't bother asking. There were more pressing issues. Once she was ready to dose, Nk picked up her phone and texted Vicky.
"I'll be away from sight for a while. Don't worry. I'm fine."
"Ah ah.... I was hoping to see you today for the big gist. But it’s OK. Stay safe." Vicky replied.
She checked her phone and saw some pictures from Caleb. This is your cloth. Come and pick it up as early as we possible. I'll not be around later in the day. The message read.
She ignored the message and sleep came at once.
∞∞∞
The next morning Kunle who was still limping made breakfast for all of them.
"Good morning." She greeted as she came out. Kunle was setting the table. "Morning ma’am…" He said rather impressively. "Come to table."
"Oh. You made this..?" She said when she saw the meal.
"Yeaa..." He said proudly. It was a beautiful and yummy looking egg-sauce with boiled yam and some juice.
"Nice work..." She complimented him.
"Thanks. So I'll go check out the car in the garage while you please try and get Frankie down to eat. I'll join you all shortly…"
"What car?"
"You'll see..." He smiled.
Nk’s phone began to ring as she smiled back at Kunle. She took a peek and it was Kola calling. She told Kunle who was still standing there at the time.
"Don't pick it." Kunle said as soon as he noticed the look on her face. We have to be as discrete as possible. She dropped the phone and he went to the garage.
∞∞∞
Later at 12, they both went to the contribution woman's place. There they retrieved the box promising to come back later for some of mama’s money. She admired the beautiful black Chevrolet jeep he was driving.
"Who owns this car..?" Nk could not hide her amazement. He just looked at her and smiled. "It’s my car; mama's gift to us after our wedding. I just had to park it after the accident. It brought back a lot of painful memories."
She didn't ask so much because she already knew how he felt
about the whole memory. After they were done with the woman, Nk observed that woman seemed rather expectant of them and had everything ready. “Why's that?” She asked.
"She was mama's.....best friend.” He paused. “There are things you do not know dear. I'll prefer you stay in the dark for now. That will be better for you."
The fact that he called her "dear" tickled her. The incidents of the past week had really changed him. She observed he was less amused, straighter in thought and calmer in speech. She just nodded.
Getting back home, Kunle opened the box to behold a ton of ammunition. And some document. He smiled. Scanned through the documents and they turned out to be papers for the guns.
"What's funny? These are guns!"
"Nothing.... I just remember a lot of things I want to forget." He brought out a pistol and dusted it. Cleaned it well to the amusement of Nk and when it was set, he handed it to her.
"You must carry this on you always." Nk shivered and rejected the gun. "I'll teach you how to use it later." He said with his hands still stretched. The look on his face was meant to convince her and surely it did.
∞∞∞
6:30pm
Ordering an uber, and without informing Kunle, she left the house for the location sent to her by Nelson. It was an elite location. She immediately suspected that Nelson was inviting her home.
She didn't want to continue but decided otherwise.
On getting down from the taxi, the security man allowed her in as soon as she introduced herself.
Looking around while she walked in,
"Don't worry... You are in the right place." Nelson said from behind her. He seemed to have been drinking
"What's this??? Why invite me here..? What's so urgent???"
"Calm down sweet... Let's go inside." He led the way.
Inside the elite building, Nelson lived like a king with all his utensils looking foreign. He offered her a drink but she rejected it for fear of being drugged.
"Now... This is what I wanted to show you..."
He handed her a bunch of documents which she collected adamantly and scanned through. Her attention got immersed when she saw Basil's full name and pictures.
"What's this?"
"You are smart enough to know my love." Nelson smiled
"Were you spying on my friend?" She asked him almost harshly.
"Oooh... Yea... I had to do it to protect you." Nelson tried to sound caring.
"Fuck off!!! I didn't ask for you protection!" Nk barked at him.
"But you need it! If you don't, I do! I can't get entangled with someone who's indicted for fraud!"
"What fraud..?" she looked visibly angry now.
"Look into those documents baby." He pointed to the documents which she had on her hands.
She hurriedly stared at them again.
"Obviously your guy Basil is fraud! It’s what he does. He goes after beautiful young ladies and dupes either them or their company through them! That's why he was in jail overseas..."
"What?!"
"Wait... You didn't know..?" He smiled and sipped his drink as she looked lost.
"Uhmmm... I see..."
He stood up from where he was and came squatting in front of her. "Hey dear... Don't be heartbroken. I want to see you happy. That's why I went the extra mile to do this background check. I want the best for you... Can't you see..?" He sat beside her as she used her two hands to support her head. "I'll be here for you always... Just say yes to my proposal to be your man." He tried to touch her.
She avoided him and shifted. "I'll talk to Basil about your allegations and see if any of them is true. Thanks for your information and care. I have to go now." She said as she stood up.
“Oh don't worry. I've already sent the information to the crimes division.
"You did what?!" She looked at him angrily and turned to leave.
He pulled her back violently. "I'm here trying to help you and you are being so ungrateful?!"
She smiled... "How's that..?"
"Tawai!" He landed a heavy slap that sent her falling back on the seat. "Don't question me!" He thundered. She was surprised as she held on to her face. "I can see that you need some discipline to drum what I'm saying into your head!" he shouted at her.
Nk was speechless and held onto her face. She stood up and made to run out but he blocked her and caught hold of her pushing her back at the chair whilst staring at her seductively.
Chapter 14
They were outside and in Kunle's car in a jiffy but not until Nk noticed the Security guy lying on one side of the gate.
∞∞∞
"Who do you take me for?! A fool?!" Nelson shouted. "I am in love with you and you just treat me like I don't matter. Why did you come oblige me for the dinner? Now I have fallen deeply in love and you make me look stupid. "
"Calm down Nel... "
"Don't call me that!" He punched the side of the chair.
"I'm sorry Nelson if I gave you the wrong message. Just let me go and we'll act like this day never happened."
"If I don't let you go, what will happen?"
Nk was silent while fondling her face.
"Nelson just let me go. Please... I don't want this to go more than it has." In response to this, Nelson moved to attack her again.
"Stop there... Don't move... Just turn around gently. Don't try to act smart."
Nelson was surprised. He turned gently to behold Kunle with a gun pointed at his face."Who the hell are you?" He said.
"That doesn't matter. Let's go NK." He motioned at her with his face.
“How the hell did he get to know?” Nk wondered. But that wasn't her problem for now. She was just grateful he was there.
"How did you get into my house?" Nelson asked.
"Seems you are good at asking irrelevant questions? That's childish." Kunle said as Nk stood up and moved to his back. Nk giggled at the question. Nelson eyed her whilst biting his lower lips. They were outside and in Kunle's car in a jiffy but not until Nk noticed the Security guy lying on one side of the gate. The journey back home was silent. Frankie hugged her as soon as they got in, oblivious of all that had happened in the last hour. He soon went back to doing his assignment.
∞∞∞
Basil was just out of his bathroom when the knock came at the door. He wasn't used to having visitors and so was surprised when the knock came.
"Who's it?" He asked as he walked to the door. His question was greeted by silence. "Who's there?" He asked again while still leaving the doors locked.
"Open up Mr. Nelson."
"Who are you?" His heartbeat increased.
"This is the police." Another voice said.
"What do you want?" He tried to be calm.
"Please open up sir. We need to ask you some question."
"Do you have a search… search… warrant?" He stammered.
"We don't need one. Unless you want us to believe that you are guilty."
"Guilty of what..?" He was trying to wear his boxer when they broke in. Gbim! He tried to run. But they caught up with him.
"Stay at a place now Mr. Basil, we are here to take you in for few question concerning some fraudulent transaction. Don't resist arrest or you will be complicating issues."
He was quiet and his eyes were red. "I need to call my lawyer." He picked up his phone.
"We can't wait sire. You'll do that at the station." The officer-in-charge said.
"At least let me dress up. I can't go out this way." He demanded.
Sure…
The four officers all turned away while he wore his trousers. When they noticed he was done, they showed him the way out while sealing off his flat. While in the car, he brought out his phone and tried to call NK. It rang but she didn't pick up. He sent her a text message.
∞∞∞
She saw Basil's call but didn't pick up cause she wanted to speak to Kunle first. Hence she dropped the phone in her room and left. She knocked on his door.
"Yea come in."
She went in and behold he was not wearing any top. It took her seconds to get back to her senses.
"I'm sorry, I’ll come back later." she said as she turned to leave.
"No. I should be apologizing. I thought it was Frankie." He hurriedly wore a shirt while she pretended to look away. Stealing glances once in a while.
When he was done, he offered her a seat. She sat down quietly while admiring the room. The box of ammunitions was still in the table with the one he came with standing close to his bed. On it was written... AK47. She saw a picture he took with mama probably from years back. He was cuter when he was younger... She smiled.
"Mm mm…" Kunle cleared his throat and brought her back to consciousness.
"Sorry... I…"
"What were you doing in that house? Who was that guy?" Kunle asked with a protective voice.
"I'm sorry I should have told you." Nk apologized but he was silent. "See… I didn't think it really mattered."
"What didn't matter?" Kunle asked.
"He's been asking me out and didn't let him in. But earlier in the hospital, he said there was something really important he wanted to share. So I had to go briefly."
"How then did he go from talking to acting?"
"He wanted some…"
"Some… what..?" He asked relaxing on the wall.
"Maybe... some kind of assurance that I would date him…"
"Uhmmm… Did he do that to you?" He asked with his hands akimbo. She felt her face. "We need to check that." He added.
"I'll be fine." She tried to hide her face...
"Let's go to the kitchen." Kunle said with a tone that sounded more like an instruction. He went ahead of her out of the room. There he boiled hot water quickly and tried to apply it in her face but she dodged.
"Let me do it myself." She tried to collect the towel.
"No." He dodged his hands.
"I'm even feeling better than you…"
"Says someone who was on the couch…" He said mockingly.
She smiled. "I didn't want to pull the gun on him. But it was the last option."
"So you took the gun?" He looked surprised.
"Yeaa… I didn't trust him and he really showed his true self. Aaahww..." She screamed in pain.
"Sorry..." He said trying to console her.