by Chuks Gerry
Offcourse I agree with you honey but people change. If only God can let us humans privy to the thoughts of one another, only then can we truly vouch for someone. Anything else its guesswork my dear,’ she patted her softly on the shoulders,’can you please take your food to the dinning.
Soon after they’d called it a night and disperse to their bedroom, she went through her school assignment in distorted emotions as her thought kept drifting to Aliyu making it difficult for her to focus. She proceeded to dial his number for the umpteeth time praying it will connect but it went straight to voicemail. She sighed and curse the poor network service in the country under her breath before getting up to make use of the bedroom. Glancing at the small rubber wall clock, it was eleven thirty pm. Soon it will be midnight and Aliyu is out there alone cold and probably scared with no one trustworthy to talk to, if only she could reach him on his mobile she wouldn’t mind leaving the house to go look for him. Shaking her head and smilling at her foolhardy thoughts,’why do I always fall hopelessly in love,’she said to herself walking towards the wall to put off the light when she thought she saw a figure moved outside in the dark, starring at her through the window. After switching off the light she tiptoed back to the window sill to observe. There was no one out there, perhaps a figment of her imagination she thought watching the deserted street which was pitch black except for occasional flickering of lights from lone trotting vehicles. Just when her head bob from sleep and was about retiring to her bed, a truck drove by and pack infront of their compound, four men dressed all in black alighted from it.They lighted cigarettes and discussed, two perused the street leaving the other two behind. Nneka couldn’t make out their faces though she felt one of them looked familiar, from his physique, movement and gesticulation he was someone who knew the area well and knows what he was doing. The other two returned back to them and after some small talks he pointed upstairs at their flat, his finger was targeted at her window position. Their gaze was immediately fixated at their flat most especially at her window. She frozed with goosebumps emerging all over her skin; her throat turned dry making it difficult to swallow as she watched them from the dark confines of her room upstairs. Her attention turned to Amara snoring softly as she slept, then back to the nefarious bunch outside contemplating between themselves. After what seems like the most scaring, riveting and petrifying ten minutes of her entire life they got into their truck and disappeared into the dark cloudy night. She remained where she positioned not moving an inch waiting to see if they will return and wreck whatever havoc they may have conjured because she doubt their intention for coming was anything but positive.
Are you still awake Nneka, wont you go and lie down,’Amara croaky voice rattled her sharply from behind.
Shsss, I will, ‘she manage with a whisper and aroused. As she lay on her bed shivering under the thickness of the duvee she knew in her heart there will be no sleep tonight.
CHAPTER SIX
Meanwhile earlier that evening, Aliyu took a cab to the popular Ijora market which is highly populated by Igbo traders dealing mostly on clothes, footwears and other clothing accessories. He went into one of the boutiques and bought a new shirt and face cap which he put on immediately thereafter located a restaurant to buy food to eat, an act he rarely engaged in Garuba but then he was famished and couldn’t help it any longer. After he was through with the meal he left the market immediately walking very fast on foot until he reaches the bus stop. Instead of entering a cab, he looked around and went into one of the numerous bars that littered around. He got in, orders a chilled bottle of beer choosing a quiet spot to sit facing the flat screen on the wall. The fat Igbo woman who owns the bar brought his request and went about her business attending to her other customers as effortlessly as the numerous dialects she speak interchanging between Hausa, Yoruba and English. Finally alone alast by himself, he focused squarely on his next line of action as he unravel the events of the last hour. So many questions plague his thought such as his being accused of conspiring in his father’s murder, someone that means the world to him, his own flesh and blood, his mentor and everything else in between. What could possibly be the motive that would have propelled him to commit such heinous act and even if he had the guts to do it, then why hide his body instead of providing it for atleast a proper funeral. The police are apparently in a lot of pressure right now but notwithstanding it don’t guarantee them the right to malign his person. His phone rang for the first time since his exit, it was his mother. They argued for the better part of fifteen minutes with her persuading him to return home, promising that their lawyers and other distinguished member of the family are handling the case and no arrest whatsoever will be carried out, but he was rather adamant. His sisters’ voices from the background appealing for him to return touched him and he agreed. No sooner had he hunged up his fiancée called with some unsavory information. She told him her mother spotted a truck parked out front on her way out of his compound. They were four young men sitted inside the truck and the look of them was unapealing, so she’d went ahead to carry random investigation from passerby as to ascertain who they were but no one knew for sure. Her candid advice is for him not to return yet rather she’d prefer he sleeps out tonight for his own safety. Never one to doubt his soon to be mother in-law intuition, he put a call to his friend Ahmed who is the immediate elder brother of his fiancée Aisha to ralate to him all that his sister had said, requesting he carries out an further investigation. Moments later Ahmed called back with a confirmation, there was indeed an old navy blue truck parked out front a couple of poles from his compound with three occupant not four including the driver but he wasn’t sure what their motive was but one thing he knew for sure is that he doesn’t like the look of their faces. From his little investigation, a petty trader told him they were inquiring for the actual compound of the Dansuki’s which he promptly pointed to them and since then they’ve been patrolling the terrain. He went on to agree with his sister and mother that he shouldn’t return home and that he is more than welcome at their home. There was an incoming call alert on his phone, he thanked Ahmed instructing him to hang up which he did promptly. He answered, it was a baritone voice wanting to know how he was faring, confuse he inquired who he was onto. The pleasant voice paused contemplatingly clearing his throat before replying. He was beffudle to discover it was Alhaji Nasiru wondering how he got his contact. As if on cue he revealed he got it from one of his uncles as if reading his thoughts. Alhaji Nasiru went on to say how shocked he was when he saw it on the news and thought it wise to call to know how he is faring. They spoke for the better half of the next hour during which he persuaded him to come over, giving him directions to his place. He thanked him graciously for his kindness and promising to be there as soon as possible. After he’d hunged up he turned his gaze to the bar owner signaling her over as he deeped his hands into the back pocket of his jean to get out his wallet. As he waited to collect his change his attention pique to the television upon the mentioning of his surname by the newscaster who was narrating on air about him being a suspect in his father’s death. He cringed in his chair as the reporter gave sordid details which were untrue which soon spur series of discussion between the other customers. Thanking Allah for the face cap which made him quite unrecognizable in their midst he took his change and sauntered out of the bar even as he overheard the bar lady and her customers cursing, grossly condemning his alledge deed.
He halted a cab immediately he came outside informing the driver where he was heading and settling in after they’d settled price. Alhaji Nasiru residence was located at the highbrow lake garden estate, a neighbourhood superficial in all its beauty to cater for the noveau riche. This was one precinct of town Aliyu didn’t know very well and rarely visited. In his wallet were a couple of change which he pieced together to pay the cab after he’d pulled over at a magnificent marbled duplex which glistened like it was recently waxed. Awesome he asquisced but not surprised, afterall most of the buildings in this neighbor
hood looked like they were crafted by heavenly creatures thereafter meticulously package and installed in the estate. Before he could raise a hand to ring the bell, the gate was opened by an elderly man who obviously is the secuirity man.
Please is this Alhaji Nasiru’s residence? He stuttered
Yes it is, do come in,’the man beckone with a pleasant smile,’he is expecting you.
Thank you,’ he said stepping into the compound coming to behold its opulence. Aside from the pentagon two story duplex which included a penthouse and its diamond shape pool with crystal clear waters, its beautiful landscape consisting of gardens, a long tennis court, fountain and a man made waterfall gave it the scenery of a contemporary Beverly hill mansion.There was so much to take in and relished forcing him to acknowledge that his father may be wealthier but here is a man who definitely got taste, as the secuirity man lead the way. He opened a silver steel door gesturing him inside. Once he’d step inside the man bowed, close the door and left leaving Aliyu confused as to which direction to go in this maze like structure. He took cautious slow surreptitious step; soaking in awe of its luxury he didn’t notice the presence of a household staff.
Are you Mr Aliyu Danbaba? She asked her voice startling his physch back to reality.He answered affirmative
Follow me she instructed turning and going through a corridor. She paused at the first door to the left beckoning to take a sit after informing him the Alhaji was in a meeting and would be with him shortly. Before leaving she asked him what he will like to drink. The room was small probably the visitor’s lounge he thought to himself but nevertheless very comfortable and tastefully furnished as well. The softness of the cotton cushioned worked wonders on his weary back while the cool air streaming from the air conditioned soothed his soul, calming his taut nerve that after gulping two glasses from the bottled water serve to him he felt himself drifting away. A light tap on his shoulder and he immediately came alert to a wide grin from Alhaji Nasiru, his fleshy face inches away from his.
How’re you my boy? His smile broadened some more stretching his hand for a handshake, ‘you must be very tired?
Aliyu shrugged getting up, not sure when or how long he must have slept but manages to reply with a nod as they shook hands.
Very well then, it’s actually a pleasant surprise seeing you again after such a short while. Before then the last time I saw you was about a decade or more ago, you were probably eight or nine years old back then but look at you now, a grown ass man and complete replica of your father. Quite astonishing indeed,’he said still holding onto Aliyu palm looking him in the eyes with an intense expression, nodding in reminiscence.
Please have your sit. Apology for keeping you waiting I had to quickly iron out some ruffled irregularities, you know business stuff.
You don’t owe me an apology rather I should be the one thanking you for carving out time for me.
He waves his hand dismissing Aliyu words of gratitude.
What do you care for, where is the maid, Agatha,’ he yelled pressing hard on a bell on one of the two crystal glass stool.
I’m cool with this, you don’t need worry. This water is just perfect.
There’s no way you can come to my house and have only water young man.
Sir,’ the maid replied
Get me a bottle of scotch some ice and two glasses he instructed.
I’m really in no mood for a drink,’ Aliyu said despondently.
Don’t worry after a couple of shots, you’ll feel much better,’he said reassuringly, his gaze fixed on Aliyu assessing his countenance before continuing. Tell me how you are faring?
Not good sir, infact I’m still trying to comprehend the past events. Can you imagine my picture is now being paraded around as a suspect for a crime I know nothing about? His voice broke as his nerve caved in. All the swollen compressed emotions locked within finally burst open filling his eyes with so much fluid, making it difficult to contain himself. He cried bitterly and uncontrollably while Alhaji Nasiru sat motionless watching him. The maid brought the drinks and placed it on a stool beside her boss. He scooped some ice into a glass and tops it.
Here drink this, it will make you feel better,’ he offered Aliyu with a smirk who took and gulp it down, letting out a gasp as the drink sinks in, working its way through his nerve. Its effect was felt immediately; quite soothing he thought requesting for another.
Do you know your father sat in that same chair you’re sitting a forthnight ago discussing business. Me and him go way back,’he said handing Aliyu the glass after filling it,’ and do you also know my father used to work for your grandfather back then in the sixties?
Huh! That was a very long time ago Sir.
You think so, well prior to that era do you know that your great grandfather and his family even this entire community was under the leadership of my grandfather? Aliyu listened nodding his head siliently wondering were this discussion was heading.
But like you pointed out earlier, it is indeed quite a long time ago and as you can see my family and yours have been in dalliance for almost a century now, don’t you just love history? He paused to take a sip. And going by it something must have happened to toppled the rule of leadership back then,’ he continued putting down the glass. Come with me,’he said getting up to his feet.
Together they went back through the corridor, up a flight of spiral staircase into an open space laced with exquisite tapaestries and lots of decorative artwork sculpture and paintings, walking on to behold a massive sitting room. In a corner were sitted three young men of Aliyu’s peer group and two other men in their fifties.They were engrossed in deep conversation pausing as they watched them approach. Alhaji Nasiru brieftly introduce Aliyu as a business colleague and a prospective recruit. They all took turns shaking hands with him graciously as questions directed at him flowed freely which he answered as trifling as he could. After all the pleasantries, Alhaji took him further ahead through a much narrower corridor into a pear shaped room which apparently was an office from what he deduced. He instructed Aliyu to take a seat as he went out for a couple more minutes before coming back to sit down on the large leather executive chair behind the beautiful carved and polished mahogany table. One of his mobile phone rang and he gestured to Aliyu to give him a moment for him to answer it. While he rattled on his mobile, Aliyu couldn’t help but wonder at the sheer luxury and beauty beholding him. He has to be on his way soon hence the captivating aura of this place might just suck him in. In his pocket was just six hundred and sixty naira which is barely enough to pay for a room where he will spend the night till the next morning. He thought of going over to Ahmed house, his presence will be most welcome but he dosent want to put them in any trouble whatsoever with the police for harboring a fugitive. The thought of were to sleep for the night beclouded his mind drifting only to consciousness at the hoarse deep throaty laughter from Alhaji Nasiru. No matter how nice this man seems to appear, there is this air of conundrum about him especially in his eyes that he wasn’t comfortable with. He decided he’d asked for a little financial assistance from him then leaves immediately.
Tell me young man what have you concluded to do once you leave here? He asked as if reading his mind while retrieving a fresh bottle of scotch and two glasses from the wine celler. Because the news has engulfed town and the police are searching for you,’he continued lighting a cigar. Do you care for one?
No sir but thanks anyway. My mother insists I return home since our lawyer is already on the case. Therefore I’ll be heading home once I leave here,’he lied.
Really but that’d be a bad idea if you must know. I have my ears to the ground and from what I’m hearing something else out there wants you, something bigger,’he spoke those words spoofing clouds of milky smoke. Your father’s untimely death resulted in a shift in the balance; many events will begin to unravel with time.
I—I don’t understand by what you meant by something out there, can you please elucidate? He wondered.
Ne
vermind however I’d rather prefer you remain here until the coast is clear with the police and all, just leave it to me,’he puffed more smoke at him. I’m your man son; it’s the least I can do for your father.
Thanks a lot for your kind gesture but I’d rather take my leave now. It’s getting late already.
Son listen, let me be frank with you,’his voicing raising a notch,’times are changing and because of the long standing relationship between our family, it’ll be advisable we remain in sync with each other else doom lurks in the shadow for either of us. Your father-—stoic, petulant and stubborn sorry for using such vile adjectives to describe him, was always in the opposition and we all know what happens to the oppositions in this country, they get crushed though I’m not implying that was the motive for his murder,’ he said getting up from his seat to sit on the table edge in front of him.
Your father and I might have ended our relationship on a wrong note however I want to start afresh with you. Just imagine all we can achieve together,’he gazed at him intently.
The presence of this man seated so close to him gave him all sorts of horrific vibes which meant his mother wasn’t wrong about him. This man is certainly not a good person and now he expects a reply, what else can he do but acquisced.
What am I suppose to do? His asked solemnly.
Good my intuition never fails,’ he sighs elatedly standing on his feet. Firstly, you will live here from now on until atleast the coast is clear. Further instruction will be conveyed to you intermittently, when tested and proven trustworthy you’ll be appointed a position and responsibility assigned,’ he smiled warmly.