by Chuks Gerry
Don’t worry Mommy, I’ve a predilection and it’s a good one. No harm will befall us today.
I know dear, who would have thought with my earlier outburst we would still be alive and not dead, rather we were freed. Jehovah is indeed merciful now and forever more,’ she said lifting her hands in exaltation.
Mom,’ Val called turning to face her from the front sit.
Mom,’ he reiterated this time loud enough to her hearing.
Yes honey,’ she answered cutting short her praise.
Alhaji Dansuki Danbaba
Yes what about him?
I mean his family mom, do you know if they’ve left town already.
I don’t know, why?
They are now allowing only people inside, all vehicles should be packed outside,’ Eugene exclaimed from the side window. Mrs Nwankwo and Amara got out of the vehicle with their stuffs.
I think you should park the car over there, while we wait for you here,’ gestured Mrs Nwankwo.
Not yet ma, there’s something else I must do.
And what is it if I may ask?
The Dansuki’s family, I want to check up on them.
Are you foolish or have plainly gone mad. The entire town is engulfed in conflict and you’re here wanting to get yourself killed.
Mom you don’t get it, please go ahead and don’t worry about me. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.
And how do you expect me not to worry with your foolhardiness on full display,’her voice bristling, agitated.
C’mon men listen to your mom. Whatever it is we’ll discuss it properly after we’re settled,’ Eugene chipped in.
No, I must do this now.
Brother Val, please don’t go anywhere. I don’t want anything bad happening to you,’ Amara said almost in tears.
He ain’t going anywhere dear, now hand me those keys son.
Mom you know I won’t so don’t get forceful on me. My mind is made up, you guys should run along I’ll be back in an hour at most,’he said starting the ignition.
Bia Valentine Chigozirim Nwankwo, is it because your father is no more that is why you’re disrespecting me. The holy Bible says every child should obey their parents so that their days will be long and joyful, and you are here publicly disrespecting me. If you don’t get out of that vehicle this minute and anything happens know that you’re on your own o hehhh,’ she bemoaned
Mom I promise, I’ll be back. I give you my word.
Eugene opened the passenger door and got in.
What do you think you’re doing?
If for a second you think I’m letting you go out there on your own then you must be crazy.
He zoomed off before his mother could think of more ways to assuage him from his intention with Amara by her side all teared up. They drove on the deserted metropolis in silence for the next several minutes diverting a couple of times leaving the express behind. Eugene gave him several askance glance, his expression stern expecting a word from him as they transverse the city, the silence stifling. He cleared his throat, deciding to break the ice seeing as Val wasn’t forthcoming.
C’mon enough of the act, spill it bro,’ Eugene started.
He kept mute still, taking several deep breaths before replying.
Aliyu,’ he said finally. Aliyu was the one who freed us back then.
Aliyu——, you mean the same Aliyu that had been missing for months and proclaimed dead or something. Is he now a terrorist?
Yea I think, sadly they’ve got him.
But how can you be so sure it was him.
His voice, appearance and mannerism, there’s no mistaking it. I believe he let us go for this purpose, to save his family of any impending danger. I’ll feel bad if I did not at least warn them, not after him risking it all to save our lives.
Bro I get you but don’t you think this rescue mission is a bit too risky. Not wanting to sound unenthusiastic but if things go sour, imagine the effect it will have on your mother, she will be crushed. Why don’t we alert the relevant authorithies and let them handle it,’ Eugene pleaded a last minute effort to change his mind.
I know she will but this too is crucial. If something good will come out of my action and I relented, the guilt will haunt me eternally. So you can see the feeling is mutual.
He sped on, taking several bends avoiding any major roads which sadly were already deserted at just four pm. He took a sharp turn jerking the car violently.
Take it easy bro, don’t want to end up with a broken neck before the rescue mission even begins,’ Eugene muttered rubbing his neck wearily from an impact. He took a link road driving into a large compound with its gates ajar. He parked observing the surrounding puzzled.
I’ve never seen this place like this before,’he muttered in awe. It always bustled with activities,’ he said observing cautiously as he came out.
Apparently they’ve gotten the hint and fled for safety,’ Eugene pointed out.
There was a crackling of a door knob and an aged man came out from one of the numerous boy quarters holding a rubber kettle for his abolution, chewing on a long brown stick as he did. They nodded to each other and approached him with their inquiries but he kept mumbling incoherently, dismissing them nonchalantly, and carrying on with his business afterwhich he banged his door on their faces. They took a detour around the main duplex, knocking and peering through the different windows searchingly.
I don’t think anyone is home,’ Eugene said wearingly walking towards Val who was beckoning on him while peering into one of the terrace windows.
I don’t think so,’ he replied still focused. I think I can see the silhouette of someone, come take a look.
Yea I can see someone, sitted facing the dinning. Do you think it is alive?
There is only one way to find out,’ Val said walking begrudgingly to the front porch landing the weight of his feet on the burglary.
Dude this is breaking and entering, we could be arrested you know.
I know but we are here on rescue mission, our purpose is a positive one,’ he said repeating his action. He was about doing it again when the bomb proof door flung open and a maid came out holding a bunch of keys. She opened the burglary and bolted it back after they’ve stepped inside. She led them pass a series of rooms and passages to the lavish sitting room which was dimly litted.
Is that really you, Aliyu my son or a foe,’ a nervous voice spoke to them rocking a cushion from the far end of the sitting room. Val approached cautiously and stood facing the person, to his amazement it was Aliyu mother looking so frail and aged.
Hajiya good evening ma, it is I Val, Aliyu’s friend,’ he said getting down on his knees. How have you been ma?
Oh Val my child,’ she said stretching forth her hands which he took in an embrace.
Get away from her or I’ll kill you,’ a lady pranced from nowhere welding a kitchen knife at them menacingly. Eugene spontaneously raised both hands alarmed; Val took several steps back away from Aliyu’s mother. Looking up it was hajiya Zainab, Alhaji Dansuki’s youngest and last wife. She dropped the weapon in awe running over to embrace him.
I thought you guys were robbers, it’s so good seeing you at a time like this,’ she exclaimed relief.
It’s nice seeing you too.
I was upstairs doing my al-isha and didn’t know when you arrived. Please have your seats. What can i offer you guys?
Just water please.
She beckoned on the maid to get their request. Val sat on a cushion opposite facing Aliyu’s mother his gaze not leaving her, observing her every schizophrenic mood, while Eugene prance around somewhat unease. He noticed her constantly mumbling something incoherent which was inaudible interspersed with nodding of the head. Eugene went over to the wine celler, took a bottle of whisky and poured himself a shot. The maid placed a tray besides Val and poured him a glassful of chilled water.
Will she be alright? Val asked referring to Aliyu’s mother.
No but she will be. Eversince th
e loss of her husband, son and unborn grandchild, hajiya Fatima has been on a gradual downward spiral mentally. She gets these panic attacks mostly at night; the doctor prescribed some medication for her hallucination. Hopefully she will get better, time they say is the greatest healer,’she said pausing. With the recent attacks on the city, everyone thought it wise to flee for safety but she adamantly refused to leave the house. She chose to stay put awaiting the return of both her husband and son insisting it won’t be fair if they return to meet an empty house. I felt it won’t be nice if she is left here all alone, so I decided to stay put.
Can she hear me?
Oh yes she can.
Hajiya listen to me,’ Val said walking over and stooping before of her, she raised her head to meet his stare. I saw Aliyu today, I mean it I saw your son this afternoon.
Hajiya Fatima eyes shone bright dispelling the despondency from her facials, elivening her countenance.
You saw Aliyu subhanallah, when, where? Zainab asked amazed.
You saw my son? Fatima asked in a shaky tone, with a glint in her eyes.
Yes i did and he saved both saved our lives. Your son, my good friend is alive and he sent me to tell you that he loves you, and to take care of you till he returns.
Oh you saw my Aliyu,’ Alhaja Fatima reiterated as if she had waited a century to hear those words, placing her hands on her chest with tears rolling profusely down her cheek. Zainab went to her with a hanky to wipe away her tears.
Right now I want you guys to pack the little things you can carry because you’re coming with us. This place ain’t safe for you ladies to be by yourselves.
Zainab sprinted to her feet calling the maid upstairs with her. Hajiya Fatima gave praises to Allah for keeping her son alive at the same time pouring thousands of question on Val, most of which he had no rational answer to give but with Eugene by his side it wasn’t an issue as he answered each question with one brilliant lie after another which furthermore enlivened her depress soul. They were soon engrossed in a lengthened conversation which was brought to an abrupt end when Zainab ran downstairs with a face that was as pale as a halogen bulb.
Are you all set? Val wanted to ask, but quickly rephrased it
What is the problem?
Some men in black wearing mask are all over the compound,’ she replied frantically.
The young men sprouted to their feet and peered through the window blinds. True to her words the entire compound was besieged by suspected members of the sect, they had arrived in several vans.
Yeah men we are screwed, crap,’ Eugene belched placing both hand on his head in despair.
God save us,’ muttered Val under his breath. Eugene ran to check on the locks ensuring they are properly bolted and intact.
Is there anywhere we can hide?
Yes upstairs, we can hide in my husband’s bedroom. The doors are made of high tensile steel which is both bulletproof and bombproof.
Alright upstairs we go,’ exclaimed Val
Before I do I’ll need some tools handy just in case. I won’t go down without at least one of those fuckers coming with me,’ remarked Eugene darting for the kitchen.
Val assisted Aliyu’s mother upstairs, Zainab leading the way with Eugene bringing up the rear holding a couple of sharp blades. Zainab bolted the lock after they were all settled inside.
Let’s see what you’ve got there,’ Val said to Eugene after sitting hajiya Fatima properly.
I just laid my hands on whatever I could find. It’s not much but it might come handy like this machete or pen knife,’ he said flipping it stylishly.
Nice isn’t it?
Okay,’ Val replied forlornly
Here, I think you should have it.
Cool,’he replied smirking and repeating Eugene flipping gestures.
Also before anything happens I want to use this moment to clear my conscience and apologize for dragging you into this. I probably should have listened when you sa——
Hey enough of that,’ Eugene interjected. You didn’t talk not to mention dragged me into anything. I followed you on my own volition because I wanted to. I’ve always lived my life on the edge which is fine by me and you’re like family. There’s no way in hell I would have allowed you leave by yourself.
And I consider you a brother as well,’ he said as they both shook hands and shared a brief embrace. There was a shattering sound, probably of glasses and banging on the wall coming from somewhere in the house as well as several gunshots. They all lie down flat on their belly, heart beating fast and prayers spoken silently. Eugene crept to the window sill and peered over; I think they are inside the building he whispered. Several heavy footsteps could be heard moving around downstairs as furnitures were tossed around.
Allah please, please protects us all,’ Zainab exhaled in tears. There was a large bang on the bulletproof door, its impact emanated a tiny shrill from both Zainab and the maid with Val and Eugene clenching tightly to the weapons in their grip. The bang continued with each sound sent a frisson to their spine. Several gunshots were heard as the banging continued that it felt like the door was finally about giving way when suddenly it all stopped. There were loud noises outside this time and the gunshots increased tremendously as Val suggested everyone hide under the large beautifully sculpted mahogany center table to protect them from stray bullets that may pierce through from the ceiling. They heard screeching sound of vehicles tyres, yelling of voices and multiple gunshots which reminds one of a war movie and it was so intense, the entire building shook. They were all terrified and confused as to what to make of the steady gunshots, so Eugene crept towards the blinds to take a sneak peek and what he beholds stupefied him. The compound has become a war zone of sort, as fierce shooting was ongoing between the army and Al-sahad forces. There were dead bodies littered about as the military was on a prowl, killing and maiming many of them. He beckoned on Val to come over as the surviving forces of the sect manage to get into their vans and sped off with the army on their trails. It was a sweet victory for the military as they exude stealth, courage and prowess in destroying their clandestine opponent.
After the gunshots had subsided and the military nursed their injured members, incarcerated their hostages and looked around inside the house and massive compound for victims, Eugene suggested they came out of their hiding. Val concurred with him and suggested a very reluctant Zainab to do the needful.
And I said I won’t go. Why should I be the one to go out there to meet with those thugs? What if they are impostors, please I can’t go o,’ she resisted for the umpteenth time.
Zainab you have to, this is your home and I can assure you those men out there ain’t impostors. There will be no telling what they would do if either I or Eugene present ourselves. Hello cases of mistaken identity abound, but you’re female and they will listen to you.
She hesistated momentarily before obliging, unbolted the door and tiptoed downstairs. They listened with their ears glued on the wall to the barely audible voices downstairs. Moments latter the door flew open and Zainab came inside in the company of several soldiers. The guys were checked thoroughly with questions threw at them after which the officer in charge, a bosom friend of Alhaji Danbaba Dansuki escorted them to a waiting van to take them back to the barracks. Alone together in the van hajiya Fatima was full of gratitude towards Val and Eugene; hailing them Allah sent to bring good news and rescued them from a nefarious situation. Val assured her all will be well from now on and urged her to pray more especially for her son, he will need lot of it should she wants to see him soon but relented to elaborate more on why he said so despite her persistence. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the truth about her son knowing fully well the state of her health and what the possibility of a relapse could mean so he went ahead to cook up something instead. She listened attentively to his fables as if the air she breathed relies on it. When it was all over she became solemn again, occupied with her thoughts for the rest of the journey but this time her eyes had a sub
tle glint to it, she wasn’t the queen of sorrows afterall with this renewed assurance she’ve gotten. Her son whom many have since proclaimed dead was seen today by someone and not just anybody but a friend was as comforting as like drinking cold water in the sandy Namibian desert.
My son can I ask you one more question, do you think my son is in anyway associated with these happenings? Going by the rumours around town people says he is now a member of the Al-sahad sect. Is my son a terrorist?
Val thought about the question and a tactful response to it. He knows she have her sources, being the wife of a very prominent personality in the state and requires him to give her an honest reply being a good friend to her son but that won’t be enough he thought and decided to land her softly. He looked at Eugene who shooked his heads faintly before answering.
Whatever rumour you hear about your son is false, rather some people I believe that dislike your husband and his family are fighting to destroy his legacy. Like I told you earlier he saved me, my family and a whole a lot of other people from the grip of death, and he sent me here to rescue you. That tells you he is a savior and I’ve faith he will return home to you, to all of us and things will be as they should be.
She listened with a straight face and rapt attention then went mute again this time for the rest of the journey back to the barracks observing structures whiff by in the once boisterous city.
Fierce battle between the military and Al-sahad forces for the past three days had left huge tragedy on both sides especially on the sect. The raging battle had left their forefront general Husseni mortally wounded. The sect troops pick a precinct marked somewhere at the outskirt for an impromptu meeting on their next line of action. Husseni was carried by his two trusted men Rasaq and Sanni, his breath was heavy and the words which came forth from his blood clotted lips were incoherent waning with each passing minute. His men watched him drift off slowly not rendering any help because he had instructed them not to. He chose to die honourably for the cause and make his men pledge that when the time came they should follow suit. His order before taking his last breath was for the troop to retreat back to base. He was buried immediately according to Islamic rites. One thing he had failed to do was to name a successor before departing and this soon resulted to a high level dissension amongst his men. Rasaq on one side nominated himself as next in command listing his vast military experience in battle and agility as his forte where as he described Sanni as week, impatient and neglectful, the latter which resulted in Husseni being killed. Sanni on the other hand claimed to be inducted a week before Rasaq and therefore his senior in every aspect. His description of his specialty in logistic and strategic planning was unpaired unlike his rival who is a callous nitwit who lacks common sense but relies basicly on his physical strength and isn’t ripe enough to lead an army of this magnitude.