Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  Rasaq put that pistol away, it’s not that late yet and someone could be watching,’ he heard Sanni’s reprimanding. What I propose we do is go wait for him at the designated place and if he doesn’t turn up as schedule we commence plan B.

  Your friend has toiled with us too much today, if he doesn’t show up his girl is mine,’Jafar cut in,’and since Rasaq got the killing vibe already he can have the rest of the family for his delight.

  They grunted some more, concluding on their next course of action before getting into their truck and zooming off. When they’d left Aliyu got up, he half walk and ran, his mind ablaze and heart pumping praying he gets a cab to take him to the tipper garage at the five junction which is somewhere outskirt of town with its many parks and market. At night that part of town is usually dangerous, its parks and store sheds quickly turning into safe havens for all sort of criminals lurking around. Going there at this time of the night is insane worst still getting a cab brave to go the distance is almost an imposibilty, but currently an entire family survival hangs on his neck if he didn’t deliver himself after being privy to all that was said. Since it was him they wanted then here he comes because he can’t allow them hurt anyone he loves. He beckoned on a lone motorcyclist when he reaches the main road, it stop right in front of him. After mentioning his destination, the motorcyclist shook his head as expected refusing to go and was about leaving when Aliyu pleaded he was willing to pay up to the tune of a thousand naira. The motorcyclist paused in his track consenting after a brief hesistation but on one condition, to stop him at the wood market before the five junctions that was how far he was willing to go. He agreed knowing he was not in any position to argue, they went through the familiar curves and bends of the town until they got to the express where the motorcyclist accelerated, going at sixty kilometer per hour for the next twenty minutes .They rode in silence encountering not even a single vehicle on the highway, the cold night breeze not helping. On getting there, he handed over the one thousand naira Aghata had given him earlier; with that money gone he was now penniless. He imagined the beatings he’ll recieve if some hoodlums accosted him from the shadows demanding cash from him and finds nothing, it’d been better unimagined. Moving as fast as his feet could carry him, not looking back or sideway even if he heard any sound or whistling, muttering silient prayers for he knows not what lay ahead. Finaly he arrived at the five junction, crossing over to the tipper garage where hundreds of tippers were packed for easing loading the next day, also were some damage ones. He got to a good spot and paused not knowing how to proceed anymore, taking a glance at his watch once again, it was one thirty a.m. Someone was approaching already not too far ahead of him whlisting, he heard a stiffled cough and turned, another person was crossing coming sideways towards him. His mouth went dry with sweat beads gathering in his palm and forehead despite the cold, he decided to remain put where he stood. The guy to his side got to him first pointing a gun directly at him. He raised both hands immediately surrendering, trying to decipher the face was impossible because his face was partially covered with a scarfe and was also putting on a face cap. He was ordered to lie down which he promptly obliged and was about to when suddenly he felt a sharp pain on his head with broken bottle fragments littered all over him and the floor. He slumped to the ground and everything became blurry. He heard a voice saying,’

  I bet you he’ll come around, he fucking have no choice,’ accompanied by cynical laughers before finaly passing out.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Music blasted from the speakers’ non stop, the Dj using several savy tricks up his sleeve made sure everyone was having a swell time which paid off as the dance floor was consistently filled with people wining, twerking, grinding and busting their hips to the sounds of good music. Sitting alone in one of the numerous enclose partitions in the club was Nneka. She took several sips from glass of whisky, shimmying her shoulders and nodding to the beats all the while focused on her phone. She wasn’t actually in a party mood but was here at the behest of her friends who literally dragged her along, which actally is what she needed given her recent mood swings. Aliyu has been missing for six days now and no one have an inkling of his whereabouts, it’s like he’d vanished into thing air. His family is in a state of disarray, she was crushed unable to think properly. Each passing day she says a little prayer for his safety, until when he hopefully returns.

  Babe, you’re still here alone all by yourself huh! Ibrahim exclaim excitedly popping his head above the wooden demarcation and rattling her from her thoughts. Breezing into the cubicle he sat down besides her resting his sweaty arms across obviously inebriated from whatever he’d been taking.

  Ewww, you’re drench in sweat,’ she shrinked away from him.

  That’s because I chose to have fun, life is too short why waste it worrying if you can’t help it,’he took a sip from her drink.

  Stop that,’she frowned at him

  Listen we know how you’re feeling and we get you but what about us, do you get us? Today is Amina birthday, Eugene pulled a lot of strings towards making today special for her and here you’re all by yourself reminding us of the obvious.

  I’m sorry it’s not a deliberate attempt to ruin the fun, my emotions are scattered right now and I just can’t help it.

  Hell yeah you can. Let them scatter, stop concentrating so much, free your mind and watch how everything begins falling into place on their own. He put a hand on her chin turning her face towards him,’ Aliyu will be fine, I’ve faith he will,’he said reassuringly ,’ but only if you dust that solemn look off your face and this taciturn exterior of yours and put on your badass party girl attitude,’ he pinched her cheeks flatteringly.

  She smiled at him feeling elated,’words like this is the reason I love you, thanks.

  Me love you more,’ he replied with a phony accent, taking more sips from her glass,’and here they comes he nodded toward Eugene and Amina approaching.

  Amina rushed giddily to embrace her,’look what Eugene gave me,’she beamed revealing a golden bracelet with a heart emblem on her wrist.

  Awww! It’s beautiful.

  Read the inscription, it says my soulmate and eternal lover

  That is so sweet of you Eugene.

  Thanks and I hope you having fun, please don’t tell me you’ve been seated all alone by yourself.

  Nah. Not when I have Ibrahim here with me.

  Okay but just incase you haven’t really caught the vibe, you can join me in this,’he said bringing out a wrap of weed from his pocket.

  Ewww! I don’t smoke weed,’Nneka was shrinked.

  Are you crazy Eugene, my friend don’t smoke neither do I,’retorted Amina

  Yea we don’t do drugs, I’m astonished,’Ibrahim ironically stressing the sentence followed by a gesture. Both ladies eyed him vigorously following his utterance.

  Relax babes, it will be fun trust me,’ he said taking a deep drag at the tip followed by several more, letting out the smoke slow and steady accompanied by several hissing sound before passing it over to Ibrahim who eagerly followed suit.

  Oh boy,’ Ibrahim exclaimed,’ this right here is the real koko baby. Do you care to try, it will help relax your nerve,’ he directed at Nneka.

  Hell no.

  Trust me you will feel much better and lighter

  Really, what if I get all high and twisted, how will I get home?

  Don’t worry about that when I’m here,’ he said handing over the wrap to her.

  She took it from him tentatively. The guys stared on with an approving look. What the hell she thought taking a drag just like the guys, anything that will make her stop feeling this way she’s up for it.

  That’s the realiest bad girl in the house,’exclaimed Ibrahim hilariously. She took another drag before passing the wrap back to Eugene who was grinning widely at her.

  How do you feel?

  I feel like crap.

  It’ll get better trust me.

  I wish,’she muttered,’Amina wi
ll you be a dear and escort me to the ladies, guys excuse us. Amina nodded and together they left.

  Gosh I feel weird, it’s like everything is revolving around me. That stuff is making me feel squeamish,’Nneka squealed frantically inside the ladies.

  You’ve got to relax sweetheart, here drink this,’ Amina handed her cold plastic bottle water. Stay here let me take a pee,’ she said dashing into one of the just exited toilet before someone else goes in. When she was through, Nneka took her turn. She Looked at the mirror and saw that her face needed a little touch so she took out her make up kit to begin the process when she saw through the mirror Tina an ex girlfriend of Eugene breezed in with her clique of overbleached plastic dolls. Instinctively she knew they were here to cause trouble and she wasn’t going to back down even though they way out number. Because enough is enough she decided, enough of her threats, constant intimidation and insinuations. Afterall Eugene and she were over long before they started dating. He’d since moved on but she keeps stalking him even though she is involved with someone else. Bracing up she turned around to face Tina who was standing behind her hands akimbo.

  Yes Tina what can I do for you,’she demanded

  Tina sigh and hissed at her brazen boldness,’ so you now have the nerve to ask me questions. My god wonders shall never end, little Amina of yesterday now have the guts to look me in the eyes,’she heaved. How many times have I warned you to stay away from my ex?

  Haaa! What did you call him “your ex”,’she hightlight. Atleast you now have the decency and common sense to refer him as such unlike those lousy warning note you sent me referring to him as boyfriend/lover.

  I’m warning you again for the last time stay away from Eugene he belongs to me. You’re toying with fire, trust me you will get burned.

  But how can you claim someone belongs to you when that person feels nothing for you. Honestly I cannot wrap my head around it. You’re delusional; I think you should seek med——.

  Offcourse we aint together anymore but I reserve the right to choose who my replacement will be,’she interjected,’ I have choosen Lilian here for him and you’re posing a threat to it.

  Amina was befuddle, she shook her head giving up,’Dream on foolish silly girl, I’ve no time to listen to your gibberish,’she turned back dismissively at them to continue powdering her nose.

  How dare you speak to me that way you lowlife little tramp, I’ll deal with you,’ Tina shouted pulling and shoving her by the hair. She staggered severally almost falling to the ground.

  Hey hey what is going on here,’screamed Nneka stepping out of the toilet. Tina let go of her this minute else I’m gonna break this mirror on your head. Trust me we will all leave here with bruises, you know what I’m capable off. She released Amina -—who quickly balance herself in readiness for battle if need be-—and walked towards Nneka. They stared squarely at each other, eyeball to eyeball neither of them blinking, before sliding pass her heading for the exit followed by her two miscreants.At the door she turned and said to Nneka,’oneday we’ll know who’s the queen around here.

  Certainly we will.

  Idiots,’Amina hissed after they’d left. Can you imagine this lout? Infact Eugene has better put a stop to all of these else I’ll have to rethink our relationship,’ she was hysterical.

  Be still dear, Tina can’t do zilch. She’s all noise and no substance,’ Nneka shrugged.

  I know but still I wouldn’t want to underestimate her. Vainglorious girls like her are capable of anything. Just imagine walking on the street oneday and someone pours acid on me, chai! God forbid.

  So what do you suggest we do about her?

  Nothing, absolutely nothing. She’s Eugene baggage so he deals with it, but until then count me out.

  Whatever you decide I’m with you, it’s your choice’Nneka concurred.

  Yea it is, afterall my main priority for being in this town is to study not to be drag into some boyfriend’s brouhaha by a ruthless, psychedelic petulant diva.

  And once again I concur. If you’re through I think it’s high time we join the others before they barge in here looking for us.

  In a jiffy,’Amina replied putting back the items in her purse. Just out front of the ladies was Ibrahim prancing, contemplating with a worried expression.

  You guys took so long,’he said with a rush.

  It wasn’t intentional but ladies must be ladies,’Nneka quipped.

  I was beginning to think maybe you’d slumped,’ he said aiming at Nneka, how are you feeling now?

  Better, it’d sure worked but I’m feeling a little too light. Where is Eugene?

  Immediately the music paused just as he was about to reply, the Dj voice echoed through the speakers saying he’d want to use the opportunity to give a shout out to the latest celebrant in town, Miss Amina Bello whom he will be playing a special song on request by someone who truly loves her. Please join him on the dancefloor,’he echoed playing my first love by Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross.

  That’s my song, my favorite oldies,’Amina gushed estaticly, clasping nervously to Nneka and Ibrahim.

  Honey your man is alone on the dancefloor, hurry out there and don’t keep him waiting,’ Ibrahim urge with a soft shove.

  She looked at him accusingly as she proceed to the stage in nervous quirky steps, this all felt surreal as she walked past the gazing crowd proding into her flesh with different tone to their stares but what the hell, her prince was close by, his smiles which brightens as she approach was all the confidence needed. He stretched forth his hands to assist her in climbing the small staircase. Carried away she missed step and tripped but he acted swifly, holding firmly and pulling her to his torso, waltzing gently to the sweet melody of the music.

  Oh my God,’she screamed in a whisper, raising her face to gaze at him in the neon light, feeling his heartbeat thumping softly, with his eyes closed he looked damn sexy. She placed her head on his chest and followed his lead soaking the magical moment. As the song progresses more couples joined them on the stage even Nneka and Ibrahim. After the song was over there was applause and then the Dj went back to spinning party jams which sent the crowd crazy once aagain. Tina crept from nowhere to Eugene front, writhing and twisting her waist to his pelvic while he clamp onto it grinding, lost to the beat. Meanwhile some guy took over Amina holding firmly to her waist with sweaty grips, caressing her butt even groping her boobs. She smacked his hands severally before shoving him off her. He withdrew and started screaming obscenities at her calling her all sort of names for refusing to dance with him. She ignored his tantrums and was about going to scout for her friends when a girl suddenly attacked her, pulling her hair backward and splashing drink on her face while slapping her around. She screamed falling to the floor, her eyes sour.The alcohol stinged so much she thought she’d gone blind. The girl friends joined her and together they poured more drinks on her until she was dripping wet all the while screaming, calling out for her friends but the music blurred her voice completely.

  Nneka ordered more drink which she gulped down quickly to water her throat which has gone dry from all the dancing and sweating. She filled it again for the second time, turning around to see Ibrahim heading towards her fretting .

  What’s the matter? She inquired

  I can’t seem to find Amina anywhere.

  Is she not with Eugene?

  No, she isn’t,’ he bawled,’ he is busy dancing with some girl I don’t know.

  Then I suggest we look for her.

  They went separate places in search for her; Nneka went to the ladies while Ibrahim searched everywhere else. He checked all over the dancefloor, mingling with the sweaty bodies having fun, asking a few questions here and there. Atlast someone pointed him to a figure lying wasted on the floor in a grey corner. He approached cautiously and on closer inspection found out it was Amina. Bending over to help her up two guys sprout from nowhere threatening to beat him up should he. He left and scurried off to get Eugene. Nneka saw him walking hastily; sto
p to ask him if he’d seen her, he explained to her what had transpired in a flurry. When they got to Eugene he was entranced dancing provocatively, lost in the beats. He gyrated his pelvic firmly into her, his hands groping her boobs as her very light skimpy gown which just barely conceal her panties sticked to her body. While she flunged herself at him clingingly, like telling him to take her right then and there as they move to the rhythm of soft reggae.

  Eugene,’Ibrahim shouted knocking him back to consciousness,’ where’s Amina?

  I don’t know, I thought she was with you guys,’he manage to reply still entrapped in her grip.

  Nneka took a looked closely, grimacing upon seeing who it was, Tina.

  Oh, I should’ve known you would abandon your girlfriend for this tramp,’she lashed out.