Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  Mrs Nwankwo has her shop located at the accessories section deep in the hub of Ajumoh market. Quite broad and conspicuous, its angular position ensures proper visibility from both major lanes adjoining the building, a great view of all the lovely commodities exhibited for sale. She deals on all types of jewelries and beauty accessories both local and foreign. It was a business she started many years ago even before the demise of her husband and had toiled tirelessly into making it the little empire it has become, with branches and goods brought in from within and outside the country. This Saturday was turning out to be a particularly busy one with so many customers crowded inside the shop demanding attention. Some goods she’d placed order for just arrived the previous evening and they were in the process of restocking the shop hopefully to round up before noon when her real esteemed high profile customers start trooping in. The day began like any other for Mrs Nwankwo, getting up by five thirty a.m to assemble her kids for morning devotion thereafter making a list of errands for both Nneka and Amara carry. Seven on the dot she was out of the house. After she’d drop Amara off at school for summer lessons, she zoomed off to the shop in a bid to avoid the early morning traffic the market is accustomed to. By the time she got to the shop, her workers have resumed and were already quite busy. By noon time, Mrs Nwankwo and her employees were famished so she’d to send one of her girls to buy lunch for everyone. A customer who owes her a lot of money sauntered into the shop, upon sighting her Mrs Nwankwo became filled with nostalgia. This particular customer comes around only when new stocks arrives as if on information, selects the best stuffs and pay only for her previous purchase. No amount of pressure Mrs Nwankwo put on her will make her drop a dime extra. What baffles Mrs Nwankwo most is how she manages to know everytime and appear just at the nick of time to make her selection. Mrs Nwankwo had decided severally to stop doing business with this particular customer but finds herself succumbing to her tales of woes everytime. As usual on this occasion with a mind made up, she decides to be strigent with her decision and tough with her dealings with the lady today even coldly replying her loud generous greetings which went unnoticed by the woman who was past caring, perusing the entire shop approvingly. She went ahead to take a sit at the center, making a mental note of items she will be collecting as she waited patiently for Mrs Nwankwo to round up. After rounding up with some customer and settling the discrepancies in her ledger, she drew a chair and sat down. No sooner had she relax the woman went into sonorous tales of woes and misfortune which ended with a miraculous recovery and breakthrough which mystically drew the attention of both the workers and customers. In the process of dishing her scintillating tales, she’d slyly embarked on selecting all the beautiful pieces she intends carting away on credit but no one cared as much as they were all engrossed in the riveting discussions. Towards the end of the gist everyone had a thing or two to say, from encouraging to unforgiving words and they all had empathy for her even to the extent one of the customers went ahead to purchase a chilled bottle of coke to help her relax. After selecting the entire piece she wanted, she further exert her ingenuity by praising Mrs Nwankwo and her shrewd business acumen in knowing her onion, a move Mrs Nwankwo always fall for. Lastly she took out wads of cash from her purse and handed them to Mrs Nwankwo who in turn gave it to one of her girls to count. This was payment for the last items she’d collected a month ago. Mrs Nwankwo wasn’t too please with the delay and was about saying so when the first blast was heard. At first she thought maybe it came from the textile company across but the second explosion was something else, it did shook the earth and everything else on it and was accompained by several gunshots, utter commotion ensued. The worker she’d sent earlier to buy lunch ran into the shop with the package exclaiming hysterically that armed robbers had invaded the market, stealing, maiming and killing people. There was a deep gash on her shoulder from where blood oozed. Mrs Nwankwo immediately ordered her workers to lock up the shop. They were in the process of carrying some of the heavier showglass to create enough space for the blinds when two men holding cutlasses barge into the store ordering everyone to a halt. Mrs Nwankwo attempt to dash inside was met with the back end of their machete. She immediately did as was told by lying down flat on the floor. They inquired who the owner of the shop was, the tales lady seeing they were assuming her to be the shop owner quickly dispel their belief by pointing Mrs Nwankwo out as the real owner. Using their matchete they beat Mrs Nwankwo severely all over, ordering her to bring out all the cash in her possession. They counted it and screamed it wasn’t enough further pouncing on her some more. She cried and cried, praying they shouldn’t kill her. The second guy went ahead to ransack the entire shop, breaking her massive showglass carting away with precious items in his bag. He discovered a safe and yelled to them to open it which they did but was empty. Dismayed and disgruntled, he went ahead to pilfer the shop contents. Sighting a handbag on the floor he turns it upside down spluttering its content all over, amongst which were large bundle of money. His surprised exclamation drew the attention of his colleague whom together counted it, almost a million naira. They inquired who owns the purse, a sales girl pointed to the tales lady who simultaneously raised her head to discover what had happened. Embolden with rage she rose to her feet immediately going went after them. She yelled they hand over the money with so much confidence they were taken aback by her sudden outburst, blatant bravery and brazen impudence she emanated. One of them ordered her back on the floor, she was adamant going after him instead. He raised his hand and made to strike with his matchete but she was unto him, pulling and pushing at him, her bulky weight giving her massive support. He was flung across the shop, crashing his head on a showglass. The second guy came after her in a fury with his matchete, he strike her but missed as the blade narrowly glazed her shoulder due to how briskly she moved despite her weight. He made double futile attempts, she picked the empty soft drink bottle she’d previously drank using it to smash his head. For a moment he went dazed, staggering backward severally before hitting the floor letting out a painful growl. The tales lady picked up the matchete which she intends using to defend herself from further confrontation, especially as the first guy was back on his feet. Feeling the heat a bit overwhelming atmosphere, he frantically dropped his matchete dashing off.

  Sirens can be heard all over, the entire place was soon overrun by secuirity personnel. The second guy attempt to dash out was met by a blockage from the tales woman who now seemed more confident and defiant. They scuffle and tussled, both sides unrelenting until the lady gave him a cut afterwhich he managed to push her aside and took off bleeding profusely from his injury. The bravery and guts exhibited by the tales woman saved the day, preventing Mrs Nwankwo from losing millions. Mrs Nwankwo, her injured sales girl and the tales lady were helped into a waiting ambulance with the aid of secuirity operative and driven to the government hospital.

  After series of test run, the doctor he insisted she should be admitted even though she didn’t sustain any major injuries but her blood pressure had gone up. The doctor administered some anaesthestic and recommended bed rest while the others were treated for their injuries and promptly discharged. Soon the entire hospital became a beehive of activities with patients piling up by the minutes. Even with the effect of the drugs on her, she couldn’t help but noticed some very sordid injuries beholding her. So she called a nurse to inquire what was actually going on and the reply she got sent shockwave down her spine. Garuba was under attack by suspected terrorists whom have resolved to bomb and shoot sporadically, killing and maiming so many people. Meanwhile she’d thought it was a mere robbery incidence back in her shop. Noticing her exasperation, the nurse further reassur her the police were on top of the issue in a bid to assuage her worries. Her thoughts delve to her daughters whose life may possibly be in danger. Tears welled up in her eyes as she reached for her purse to get out her mobile phone. If anything happens to her kids she won’t forgive herself she thought as she put a call across to Nneka. It rang
ed and ranged then went dead. She tried calling Amina her best friend but was met with the same fate, no response. Now feeling very drousy, she called on one of her workers to check up on Amara at her school and bring her to the hospital after closing hour before succumbing to a dreamless sound sleep.

  Every holiday season, st Micheal’s international group of schools organize summer lessons basicly for its students preparing for both junior and senior WAEC examinations. The lessons holds everyday till evening except Sundays but on this fateful day the management decided to dismiss early pending rumours about the current crisis situation in the city. The pupils were advised to either walk in groups or wait for their guardian to come get them. Amara join her clique of friends as they made their way home since she wasn’t living that far off. On their way home most shop were closed even though it was only barely two in the afternoon. As military wagon blew pass blasting sirens, it’d dawn on them all was not well in the once peaceful city of Garuba. Amara and her friends were scared on the possibility of war, a topic they dissect extensively as they progress. The mere thought of losing any of her love ones or worst being tortured and force to marry one illiterate Islamic fanatic, forgoing her dreams and aspiration in life wasn’t palatiable to her hearing so she insisted for a change of topic instantly. When they got to one of the major junctions the group split up, two third went on a separate route while Amara, her friend Mary and her two brothers went the opposite.

  The walk home was going to be as smooth as ever or so they thought until they heard voices from behind calling out to them. It turned out be those same Almajiri kids that usually torment them on their way home from school. Ever since the last confrontation between Val and those two brothers, things change dramatically that for sometime they were neither seen nor heard of again. But these groups of about five kids including the two brothers were not here to taunt them as usual rather their mission was of a more sinister intent. They were coming after them with sharp knives and broken bottle, a sight that screams flee. Amara and her friends ran like never before in their lives, criss crossing the road several times despite approaching traffics in a bid outrun the babarians on their trails. Passerbys were confused on the purpose of the chase and stayed away especially upon sighting the sharp weapons they wield. Amara and her friends soon got tired and cried out for help from people around but got very little attention, meanwhile the brothers and their gang close in on them menacingly. Suddenly Amara heard someone calling out to her from a cab; it was one of her mom’s employees. They ran towards the waiting vehicle slamming the door shut in the nick of time just as one of them lashed forward, grazing the bright yellow finished of the cab with the weapon he weld. Before they could force the door open the car sped off leaving choking dust in its wake.

  Who’re those people? The employee questioned but Amara and her friends were too shaken and comfounded to mutter anything coherent.

  Didn’t you hear me, who’re those people and what do they want from you guys? She reiterated.

  Those were just some street urchins on the look out for trouble, aunty Chinwe,’mumbled Amara, looking backward to see whether the chasers were still on their heels, they were no where in sight.

  Hmm! She exclaimed uneasily,’ bad things are happening in town, you guys better tread with caution,’she admonized.

  The cab made two stops first at her friend’s house, the next was at their home. Feeling distress and exasperated from the days activities, Amara went straight to her bedroom to lie down. Chinwe asked her what she wanted to eat going into the kitchen to prepare lunch. She must have dozed off when she became alert to Chinwe calling her to come over to the dinning. She answered dashing into the shower to freshen up. Feeling refreshed she went out to join Chinwe at the dinning. On the dish was boiled yam and tomato egg sauce, one of her favorite but she wasn’t really hungry choosing instead to pickle at it casually before tossing it aside with a shrug.

  Don’t tell me you’re through eating because you barely touch that meal.

  Not really, am just worried. Our principal said there is an ongoing genocidal attack being carried out by the Al-sahad sect in town, how true is it?

  Chinwe heaved, dropped her cutleries and poured herself a glass of water.

  Very true,’she replied drowning half the glass, wondering how best to let her know her mother is a victim of one of such attacks but she had no choice other than to rip the band aid off.

  Infact your mother and one of the girls sustained minor injuries and are at the hospital.

  Amara reaction was immediate, her face stricken with panic.

  My mom, oh my god... in which hospital,’she exclaimed

  Relax, they are fine now,’she assured her. They are at the Garuba central hospital.

  I want to see her now, let’s be going.

  I doubt that will be possible because it’s not safe out there and that is why she requested I come pick you up at school. The only other alternative is to call her mobile.

  Chinwe quickly place a call across to her madam, a measure to pacify her hysterical daughter who was falling apart in tears. Immediately she answered, Chinwe handed the mobile over to Amara.

  Mummy, mummy, how are you? She squealed. Aunty Chinwe told me what happened, i want come over.

  Chinwe cleared the dishes as she eavedropped on their conversation. From Amara gesticulation, Chinwe could tell her mother was having a tough time assuaging her fears. It worked as Amara began to relax, even letting out a giggle.

  Okay mummy, I love you too,’she muttered handing back the phone to Chinwe and going back to her meal voraciously devouring it in minutes.

  Yes ma, she’s eating now——-okay ma, will get it done as soon as possible——-bye ma.

  Your mother said you should try having a siesta after you’re through with lunch,’she said to Amara after hanging up the call. Meanwhile she’s is still trying to get across to your elder sister on her mobile. After I leave please lock the door, go to your room and wait till your sister comes back, you copy me?

  I do and thanks once again aunty Chinwe,’she replied solemnly.

  Don’t worry everything is going to be alright. Tomorow morning your mother will be discharged and everything will be back to normal.

  After she was through washing the dishes, Chinwe went into the bedroom to check up on Amara.

  What are you doing? She inquired drying her hands on a napkin.

  My homework, I’m not feeling sleepy yet.

  Okay, I’ve got to get going,’ she said looking at her wristwatch. Your sister should be back any moment now. I hope you’re okay?

  Yes I’m and please stop worrying about me, am a big girl now.Thanks once again aunty Chinwe.

  Okay, I trust you,’she giggled. Anyway here is your mother other mobile set. She asked me to leave it with you just in case she needs to reach you. The battery is low, try and recharge it once power comes.

  I’ll do just that.

  Now come see me to the door. They went out together down the staircase. After she’d left, Amara simply did as was told locking up everywhere and remaining in her bedroom to await Nneka’s return.

  A few minutes just before lecture began, Amina strolled into the hall clutching her textbooks firmly to her bosom, moving briskly to an empty pew a few rows at the front. Several minutes later Nneka walked in, looked around and spot Ibrahim who’s the most punctual among them beckoning her over to the space he’d reserved. She came and sat next to him taking out her notebooks from her purse.

  Are you the only one around?

  Nope,’he replied scribbling on his notebook

  Where are the others?

  Amina the newly enthroned ice queen is overthere,’he nodded to her direction. I tried whistling her over but she blank me totally.

  Really? That implies she’s still pissed.

  Yea, which means your attempt at troubleshooting failed miserably,’he teased.

  Oh stop that,’she elbowed him on the side

  Ouch! He shrille
d and recoiled after she stood up and made her way to Amina with every intention of mildly coercing her to come sit with them.

  I have said it before and will say it again I’ve no ill feeling towards him and have since forgiven him nevertheless I can’t be around him for now, I just can’t,’she shook her head resolutely.

  But he has apologized to you a thousand times, even resorting to make it up in numerous outstanding ways. Please give him that second chance which everyone deserves.

  I know, honestly I wish I could but I don’t think I’ve the strength anymore for the baggages associated with this relationship. I’m happier on my own with enough energy to focus on our forth coming examination.

  The banter continued for a little with no headway so she left for her seat where Ibrahim gingerly awaits her.

  How far any hope? Ibrahim inquired the moment she sat down.

  Verily verily I say unto you, the lady wants to be on her own.

  But we’re her friend or does she wants to cut us off too?

  I doubt but as long as Eugene hovers around, we’ll always be at an impasse.

  So tell me do we now steer clear from Eugene?

  I don’t know,’she shrugged carefreely.

  Because if you ask me Eugene is not a bad dude at all and he truly loves her. I mean can you imagine the blow he dealt that useless hag “Tina” that started all this mess. It was the perfect plan to offset the biggest bitch out of campus.

  There was a pause as they both recall the incident that occurred when Tina arrived to receive the award for most popular girl on campus. One of the organizers had stylishly lead her to a subterfuge spot on the stage facing the audience and left her to bask in her glory when suddenly something smelly and slimy descended from above all over her body. Blindsided, frightened and in utter disgust she made to dodge but fell face down, her undies expose for all to see. The stifled laughter from some members of the audience only made the awkward situation worst. She cried out and some of her friends ran forward to help but the stench of feaces everywhere couldn’t make them act quickly as they were more occupied in covering their nostrils. This resulted to the occasion being cancelled with the school authority currently carrying out investigation as to who is to be held responsible. As for Tina she was later admitted in the hospital. Even though she was discharge the next day, she hasn’t shown face on campus since then. Though no one said it aloud it was constantly hushed about whom and what might have been responsible for the malevolent attack on Tina, but since there was no proof the investigation tarried.