by Chuks Gerry
Together they strolled back towards the large the sitting room where the other men were. Two of the young men had left; he sat down close to the television which provided him with a clear view of the entire room, from the dinning down the corridor. Something delicious filled the air coming possibly from a kitchen situated somewhere which made his stomach growl, his throat fluidic. Discussion flowed randomly on a diverse range of topics, nothing specific. The Alhaji and one of the men left the room for private talks leaving Aliyu with the other two fellows who did all they could to incorporate him into their discourse. The air was light, friendly, radiant and bubbly as they were out to impress him as if sensing his rioting emotion and tried to get him to relax, but their actions only incensed him more no matter how much he tried keeping up with the façade. His thoughts drifted to Nneka and how he’d intended calling her earlier but slipped his mind in the maelstrom of activities. She must have probably heard by now, he thought flipping his mobile from his pocket to dial her number but was promptly informed by the service provider he’d insufficient call credit. Feeling a surge to talk to her he got up excused himself and left their presence. He followed the corridor going down the staircase to the entrance lounge downstairs and continued walking until he reaches the main gate were he met the elderly security man reading the dailies at his porch.
Yes what can I do for you? He asked disgruntedly as he approaches.
I want to buy something from across the street.
I’m sorry Oga but I have been duly instructed not to open the gate for anyone to leave.
Taken aback and surprised by his reply Aliyu questioned if he was a hostage because he isn’t aware he was. The security reiterated what he’d previously said and went back to reading his papers dismissively. Transfixed on the spot he wondered if he’d consciously walked into a trap, else why was he denied free access to leave? His mind thought of different ways to get the man to open the gate even if it involve being forceful, his gaze drifted around the premises for a third party. The security structure was a story building of which at the top two pairs of eyes in mopol uniform were watching him from their lounge upstairs. Scared and downtrodden he took slow steady steps back towards the main house. As he entered the lounge he met the same lady that’d escorted him earlier, who duly informed him that her boss was waiting for him. Together they went up the stairways back into the large sitting room where they were all sitted. Alhaji Nasiru calmly asked him where he’d been with an icy tone which did little to curtail his rage, to which he replied he went looking for the restroom to pee and got lost, a white lie which was obvious to everyone but the Alhaji allowed slid by.
When next you’re in need of anything meet Agatha,’ he said referring to the lady,’she’s my chief of staff. Part of her duty is to direct someone to you or get it done her self. You’re a special guest in this house and I wouldn’t want you bothered with trivialities. Now is there anything else you want Agatha assisting you with? He asked this time warmly.
No,’he muttered but—but I’m very hungry, I haven’t eaten since morning,’ he voiced facing downward wary of the pairs of eyes watching his every motion.
Agatha our honorary guest is famished, how long will it take for the dinner to be ready?
Agatha bowed and left for the kitchen to make inquiries.
Agatha manages this house, she is your go to source for anything you require,’ he continued.
She was soon back with the anouncement dinner will be ready in an hour nevertheless she’d also instructed the cooks to whip up something quick for Aliyu. He followed her to the kitchen where two female and a sturdy male cook were bustling with activities barely taking cognizance of them. She directed him to the patio to have a sit. A maid came over soon carrying a large tray, setting it on the table before him. On it was a flask of hot water, fresh loaf of bread, butter, sugar, a plate of fried egg sauce and pieces of boneless chicken all of which its enticing aroma perforated his nostrils making his mouth watered. Over the next three minutes everything was set, a nice warm mug of tea, several pieces of sandwiched and prayers said, he delve into the meal like his existentialism depends on it. After his appetite has been greatly appeased, he strectched his feet and relaxes some more with a glass of cold water. Agatha fully dressed with her handbag walked in asking if he needed anything else to which he shook his head, she went ahead to inform him she’ll be going out to run some errands at the mall. As she was speaking a maid came by to clear the table.
I have instructed someone to show you to your room, feel free to call this number in case you need anything,’ she continued sliding him a small piece of paper which he took and read then looked at her, she winked at him sashaying away turning only once to give him a knowing glance. With slightly shaky hands he slid the paper into his pocket as he overheard Alhaji Nasiru voice in the kitchen discussing with his staffs, quickly he braced himself up appearing normal.
I hope you are satisfied my boy? He inquired immediately he arrive the patio.
Aliyu nodded.
And I hope you left extra space for dinner because we’ll be having a feast.
Aliyu looked up puzzled shaking his head saying.
Nonse——
Honestly I don’t think I can because I’m so tight right now. Besides pardon my ignorance for not asking earlier about your family, do they live here? He interjected intending to change the subject.
My family is fine and no they don’t live here in this house with me. They reside in Abuja and London where visit regularly,’he replied. Seeing as you’re satisfied why don’t we go join the others upstairs. More guests will be joining us soon and they would want to meet with you though some will be shocked to see you,’he said leading the way.
Aliyu reluctantly got up and followed, he was not in the mode to be introduce to this man friends neither has he made up his mind of spending the night here. Looking at his wristwatch it was a quarter to six which means it was time to leave whether by hook or crook. He misses his family and wants to return home regardless of the consequence. Remembering the paper in his pocket he paused in his steps squeezed his stomach, wincing in pain.
Sir please I’d love to make use of the restroom.
Alright just go back down the corridor towards the end, the last door by your right.
Thanks sir,’he replied and sped off.
Be sure you empty that bowel of yours because tonight we celebrate, better be prepared,’Alhaji Nasiru exclaimed.
Immediately entering inside he locked the door and took out the note as he removed his trouser and sat on the pole.
It read,”I know who you’re, this place ain’t safe. Behind the compound is a ladder, meet me on the otherside”. He took a deep breath letting it out slowly as it fully dawned on him that he’d consciously and foolishly walked into a trap, this man could possibly have a hand in his father’s disappearance. He flushed the cistern; its rushing sound overwhelmed the creaking noise of the door which he opened slowly. With stealth movement, fast and precise he went back down the corridor which he came, towards the kitchen where the chefs were busier than ever not even raising their head for a second. Walking pass the patio he breeze outside looked bothways taking his left, engaging in fast brisk steps until he behold the ladder slantly place on the fence. Whether it was there consciously or not he can’t say nor does he care. His heartbeat at this point was drumming so much he could barely breathe, he paused alert and calm in an effort to steady it lest someone might hear its sound. The fence has electrified barbwire which went round it except the small portion where the ladder stood which was obviously was under maintenance repair from his observation. He adjusted the ladder properly making sure it rested firmly on the wall, while contemplating how best to scale this three meter fence with minimal or no injury when he heard someone humming. He scurried off to the wall and flattened himself beside one of its pillars which provided the perfect shed. The fat cook from the kitchen drop the basin she was carrying on the floor then proceeded to hang some white linen removing
the ones already dried, folding them neatly into another basin. Several minutes later she placed the basin back on her head and left, all the while humming praise songs to the Lord without singular care in the world. Without further delay he scaled the fence, at the top he peers down at the otherside which was not only bushy with both wood and sharp metal scraps but dangerous. Also at the top which was about three meters tall was a real fright to him, being that he’d always been afraid of height. He tarried in contemplation of how best to land to avoid getting injured when suddenly he heard a growling sound. Looking downward inside the compound was two large German shepherd, watching him menacingly before letting out the loudest howl. He looked across and saw the security man coming out of his porch.That was all the courage he needed, counting to three he jumped landing heavily on his foot, his left ankle felt the impact the most but what the hell, he ran as fast as he could until he got to the tarred road before slowing down though maintaining brisk steps. A dark navy blue truck zoom pass, seeing it made him recall what Ahmed had said earlier about a similar truck perusing his street. He paused turning to observe it. The van parked at the gate of Alhaji Nasiru mansion which was now quite a distance behind him. Three people got out approaching the compound. He increased his steps further taking occasional glance behind. Suddenly he heard a voice scream his name, he turned and surprisingly the van was only a couple of yards away from him. Taking to his heels he ran as fast as he could until he got to a junction where the traffic was a lot busier, confused and scared as he made several failed attempt at crossing even as the van close in on him. Just then a cab pulled upfront and a voice called out for him to get inside. He peered inside, it was Agatha, he jumped in and the car sped off. Swirling and swerving, the driver working in unison with Agatha instructions soon left the other van in its shadow before coming to a halt in a totally different part of the city. After observing for several minutes and satisfied they were alone, Agatha gave an approval for the driver to move. Aliyu’s phone started ringing, he check to see it was from the Alhaji, he rescinded the calls even as it persisted and kept coming.
I believe those calls are from my boss? She asked speaking to him for the first time.
He nodded in affirmative.
Stop here,’she ordered the driver.Together they got out from the cab. She was talking softly phone as she came across to him with a notepad scribbling on it.
Have this,’she said handing him a thousand naira note,’ it should be enough for your fare. Go home and thank God you’re lucky to be alive.
She got back into the cab and drove off.
Thank you,’was all he could muttered wondering why she went this extent to get him out of there. A huge depressing cloud enshrouded him, added to that is the burning revolting pain from his left ankle wrecking his entire body, forcing him to burst into tears. What a day he thought, walking into a chemist shop which was just by the corner to buy some pain reliving drugs, with it he went to another shop to buying bottle of water, some snacks and recharge card for his phone. The indication on his phone screen after he’d loaded the card warned him his battery was low and requires charging else it trips off. His mother call came across in the midst of him being confuse wondering how to charge his phone. She wanted to know why he hasn’t return home yet, if he was safe and so on. Her tone shaky a reflection of how emotional she’d been. He did all he could to reassure her all was well while subtly letting her know his mind was made up about not to returning for safety reasons. She wasn’t happy with his decision but gave up arguing upon realising he won’t burge.
The sun was already setting, its crimson hue in combination with the dark blue sky and the youthful silver effect of the crescent moon gave the city an arty illusion but everyone were rather less concern as they returned weary from their places of work and business. Garuba used to have a healthy night life but recent happenings around the city have made people reconsider their options. Finally he put a call across to Nneka; she picked up instantly but instead of her usual calm sultry voice came a loud squeal from her which soon returned to normal after barraging him with questions about not hearing from him all day. After listening to his explaination, she had opened up and told him her true feelings; she couldn’t curtail it any longer as she professed her love for him, the joy in her voice made him teary. It was an epic moment for him but the timing wrong. He thought about the vicissitude of the past events, how an innocent boy with a loving family and a fiancée who loves him plus a gorgeous lady whom he’d been madly in love with, who in turn had just professed her love for him -—to being a homeless frightened murder suspect and suppose gang leader of Garuba most wanted criminals. His effort in trying to sound compos mentis to Nneka proved uneffective. She being quite astute was able to decipher from his tone all wasn’t well with him. From their discourse, he’d ascertained she wasn’t aware of his current predicament and so decided not to dwell on it, rather he appealed to her of his innocence in case of any eventualities. His battery made a weird sound signalling his mobile will go off anytime soon, so he spoke hastily telling her he loved her too before hanging up despite her protest. As if waiting for the moment his phone went dead making him realize how truly lonely he was with his only source of communication gone. He cried some more upon this realization using his hankerchief to blow his nose severally. Crying won’t change a thing so he sobered up, got to his feet wondering where he’d crash for the night. Taking a walk along the main road, he saw a similar dark blue hilux ahead parked besides a suya shop. He ducked and watches, soon he could make out Sanni’s impression handing cash to the seller after handing him a package. As they drove off, Aliyu impulsively halt a bike giving him instructions to follow the van. The bike man refused forcing Aliyu to almost double the bargained amount. He hissed as he climbed in, afterall in this country people always want to make use of any slight opportunity to exploit others he thought. He followed the truck to a familiar area of town were it deviated away from the main road swerving into one of the adjoining street. He told the bike to stop at the entrance of the street, the Nwankwo’s lives here he thought wondering as to their purpose of being here. He changed his mind telling the driver to drop him off at the central mosque instead. It was a much better place to sleep given his current situation with no cash. After saying his prayers he went in search of a secluded place to lie steering clear of physical contact least someone identifies him. He would be spending the night here, though not comfy but its safe, tomorrow will be different he hope. A nice fellow lent him a mat and blanket which he spread on the floor and lay on trying not to worry much whilst enjoying the cool night breeze. The central mosque for decades has always been a safe haven for any stranded faithful who have no place to lay their head. His thoughts soon drifted to his alledge kidnapped under the hands of Alhaji Nasiru and all he had said to him about something out there coming for him, even stating how his father’s death upsetted the balance. So far he could now deduce his father murder was as a result of an ongoing conspiracy and those involves includes friends, business acquaintances even family members.
As time progressed the mosque became less rowdy until it remains only a trinkle, with the temperature extremities attainable in the state -—hot afternoons and cold breezy night -—he was already feeling shivery and so decided to go on a walk to get his metabolism kicking. His rising sent spasm of pains shots to his brain from his ankle which still hurts but later reduced as he moves around. When he got outside the compound he noticed that most shops were about closing or closed for the day, going over to were a man was selling oranges loaded on a wheelbarrow with a bush lamp as his only source of power. He paid for half a dozen oranges and sat on the bench to lick them one after the other after they were peeled. After licking about three the rest was package to be carted take away. Oranges in hand he went on a stroll inside the adjoining street into the layout. At almost eleven pm most of the residents had called it a night, Mrs Nwakwo compound was however a few blocks away. His heart quickened with hope of seeing Nneka, a
familiar feelings which occurs whenever he thinks of her, even when he is with his fiancée which makes him feel guilty sometimes. Apparently he couldn’t help it, he’d these feelings for Nneka ever since they were kids and it’d only grown as the years flew by. Aisha on the other hand was a choice made by his parent on his behalf because of her family close relationship with his. He respected and appreciate Aisha who was everything a man desires but he loved Nneka a little more. He stood on the street from across and stared at her flat upstairs, there was still lights on in some of the rooms including Nneka bedroom. He was soon able to make a frame walking about in the room after he’d climbed onto a short fence which makes up part of the wall of a store opposite the compound for better view, wishng his mobile hadn’t gone off. When it became apparent she was the one sitted facing the window probably working on some school stuff, he tried waving hoping to capture her attention in the darkness. He desperately wanted to but decided against throwing a pebble on her window sill to grip her attention. He resorted to watch and eat the remainder of his delicious oranges before calling it a night. Soon the light went off in the sitting room and her mother’s bedroom, then he saw her got up and stretch walking forward closer to the window. This is the moment; he braced up and was about waving when he felt the impact of light rays from afar. Impulsively he jumped down and ducked behind the store. From there he could make out the impression of an approaching vehicle, looking up her bedroom light had been switch off much to his dismay making him curse at the vehicle, its headlight illuminating the opaque darkness beholding it. He took a glance at his wristwatch using the illumination provided it was eleven thirty pm. If he isn’t back at the mosque premises before twelve he better look for somewhere else to sleep as the gate will shut by then. He cursed some more and was about getting up when the vehicle came to a halt the exact spot he was, strange he thought. Cautiously he raise his head to peep, it was the same dark blue truck which had trailed him all day.The doors opened and three guys got out and he immediately recognized Sanni and his fellow goons from the previous day in the darkness which his eyes has gotten accoustomed to. One of them came and sat on the low fence where he previously stood smoking weed talking loudly on his handset. Another was peeing closeby and Aliyu had to scoop even lower to escape tiny traces of his hot urine spluttering on him.The trio assembled in discourse facing the building while a fourth fellow who was the driver contributed from inside the van where he remained. Aliyu heard all that was being said and it was frightening. Apparently they’d been searching for him round town, even tried his number but to no avail and have resolve to raid the Nwankwo’s to see if he was hiding there and if not take them hostage to force him out, and if he still relents kill them one by one then go after his fiancée and do likewise. From where he hid his thought went wild, there’s no way on earth he will let them hurt this innocent loving family or anyone else rather he’ll submit willingly to them. Sanni kept on reiterating he will stop at nothing to enlist him into the sect, that not even a moving train can stop him. He thought about heading to the police station to lay a report but remembered he can’t because he is a wanted felon.