Shadow War

by Chuks Gerry

  I can’t tell but will give it a sixty five percent score.

  If that be it then furnish me directly with all your requirements, I‘ll seek them out and deliver it personally.

  Okay,’ he responded sauntering outside into the darkness, headed for his quarters. He saluted a handful of people sitted on a bench as he walked across to his block. At the entrance of his room he saw some gaurds lurking about, his stomached tightened as he ignored them and went inside. Sanni stood discussing with Rabiu who was seated by his bedside, he greeted them both as casually possible as he could and went about his business.

  Where have you been young man? Asked Sanni moments later, walking towards him.

  I went for a walk in the field.

  Are you sure because I sent my men out there in search of you but no one spot a trace of you.

  Yes and that was because they didn’t come looking for me the exact location I was,’he replied knowing fully well Sanni was lying.

  Really, but a little whispering bird said it saw you coming from the upper maelstrom. You went there to pay the mistress a visit right?

  Unless your little bird was an owl and blind as a bat, it has no business flying at night when it should be asleep because I don’t know what you’re talking about,’he replied bluntly

  There was a loud clantering noise and Aliyu shuddered at the sound of it, Sanni had thrown a bucket with its contents across the wall in a fit of rage.

  Mind your language and don’t play coy with me fool,’ he yelled at him.

  Aliyu went blank and mute starring at him while he anticipated a response.

  Your association with that woman spells doom for you faster than she did to Rasaq or her troops. That woman is badluck and she knows it. Her time here is up, soon she will be tossed out like the scum that she is and burned.

  Aliyu listened to all his tantrums not muttering a single word.

  He walked over to him, facing him squarely and breathing heavily down his face,’ if you want your stay here to be as peaceful and uneventful as possible stay away from her,’he warned looking him murderously in the eyeball.

  After he had left Aliyu picked up his praying paraphernalias and left for his prayers leaving behind a puzzled Rabiu, who just sat watching him.

  The following morning Aliyu reported very early at the desk of his chief to know his duty post for the day. The man had taken a liking on his person over the past few days commending his tenacity and hardwork. He was lenient towards him when Aliyu intimated him of not being very sound after complaining of the flu. He took pity and decided to assign him to the warehouse. Aliyu thanked him profusely walking off gingerly to his duty post and keeping an eye out for Mariam. After transversing the entire vicinity making sure everything was in order, he went to sit on the bench designated for the survelliance team and kept watch. It wasn’t until mid day he spotted her approaching towards the entrance several feet away from him. He stood but paused when he noticed two gaurds several feet behind her, they may or may not be trailing her but still he has to tread with caution. She walk past him into the building not daring to acknowledge his presence while the two gaurds came over, soon they were all engrossed in jolly discussions. The two men who obviously were not trailing her were posted to the same location as him, had a little dissension concerning a topic and wanted third party opinion which he gladly gave. A little while later he got up, excused himself and left to pee. As expected she was waiting anxiously for him in one of the building’s tiny inner offices.

  What kept you so long? She asked fuming nervously.

  Some gaurds got me engaged, I’d to diffuse them before leaving,’ he replied handing her a tiny piece of paper.

  Hope its all in there?

  Yes that will be all for now, if I need anything else you’ll be duly informed.

  Okay, you will find them at the designated spot by four pm,’ she said curtly flouncing out of the room.

  He waited several more minutes before coming out, after urinating he went to join the others. Upfront he spotted Sanni and his men discussing with the officer in charge of the warehouse, going through records and inventories at the reception desk. He watched him with a knot in his stomach giving orders and making inquiries before making a u-turn and using another exit out of the building to his duty post. Soon Sanni came out of the building engrossed in conversation with the ware house manager accompanied by retinue of his men when he spotted Aliyu at his post. His anger was undeniable though he kept calm but his countenance spoke volumes. He immediately ordered for the chief secuirity, when he arrived Sanni flew into a fit, yelling at him for allowing Aliyu serve at the warehouse. The man confused and disoriented pleaded with him he was sorry and immediately ordered Aliyu who was watching everything from his post to come with him. Exasperated Aliyu stepped out and walked over to Sanni instead.

  I still don’t get it.

  Get what?

  How you became like this, the antithesis of everything good,’ he shook his head miserably. I loved you, my family loved you but still you will stop at nothing to see that we are completely anihilated. I was privy to the discussions you had with Husseni on how to reach them, what did we ever do to warrant such evil from you?

  Sanni gave him a broad smile tapping him on the shoulder roughly,

  Firstly, it wasn’t my decision and not mine to make to attack your family. It was a decision made by the authorities and one of its prominent stakeholders; I only show them the way. Secondly, just because you people took me in doesn’t mean I didn’t notice the shade thrown much too often at me by members of your egotistic blueblooded family.

  Does it mean you don’t have any atom of love for me brother?

  You’re not and never will be family to me. My elder brother and uncle were murdered by me and I’ve no regrets. Al-sahad supercedes every other even family.

  Aliyu wanted to say something but retracted recognizing the futility in talking to a lost gone soul. Sanni was beyond redemption at this point in his life especially now that he has tasted power. He retreated siliently back to his duty post, retrieve his stuffs and followed his boss to his office to be reassigned. As they went, he spotted Nneka and Amina going about their chores in the company of other ladies, he noticed how pale she was looking and his heart skipped several beats. He wished there was something he could do to make it all go away and everything return as it should be, but there was a way. His mind was resolved; a way out wasn’t going to actualise by magic rather by how much he is willing to risk. The question is how prepared was he?

  Garuba has changed, a town once vivacious and full of energy and vigor, flowing with gusto and life now felt relegated and abandoned. It boasts of being one of the best commercial cities in the north living up to its title, the blossom city. Everyone comes to do business here; its beautiful sceneries, ancient worship temples and recreational parks symbolize a town inebriated with positive life force. But now with its market raided, streets and business buildings deserted, the city glow had dimmed drastically. All the recent attacks and the state of emergency declared had made most people leave or avoided the city, though the military that the general public have little faith on have more than proven themselves. They have not only suceeded in defeating and pursuing the terrorists out of the city but are in the process of liberating many small villages from their claws. Working hand in hand with local vigilantes, they’ve gotten better insight about the mode of operation of the sect and possible locations.

  After an order was issued to transfer everyone taking refuge in the barracks to an internally displaced facility, Val insisted they returned home instead. Safely home the family decides what their next move will be and it was unanimous, they all choose to leave town even after the military had given full assurance that the city was safe. However Mrs Nwankwo remained skittish about leaving the city just yet claiming the military were right about no one leaving citing the following reasons, traffic gridlock at the express combined with constant road block and checkpoints plus the
likely possibility of a bomb attack as plausible reasons to stay put. Hajiya Fatima who was with them temporary put a call across to some of her husband’s colleagues and business associates to seek a helping hand in getting them safely away from the city to the state capital. Many obliged and she dished directions on their location. While everyone got dressed and ready in preparation to leave, Mrs Nwankwo prepared breakfast of toasted bread and egg. An hour later after breakfast there a car horned, Eugene ran downstairs to open the gate. Outside was a clean eighteen sitter bus, a grey Mercedes Benz SUV and white hilux truck with half a dozen men putting on dark shades. Before Eugene could comprehend what is happening, he was pounced upon and whoozed several slaps. Still dazed he was shoved upstairs and pushed hard against the door. He landed heavily on the floor as it gave way for the men to step inside.

  All eight of you if you do as I say no harm will befall you, otherwise you’ll have yourselves to blame,’their supposed leader bellowed. Simply get your stuffs and proceed downstairs into the waiting bus.

  Frantically without hesitation they did as was told and the bus soon zooms off heading towards an unknown destination. Hours later they arrived in a fence compound with several buildings inside. The bus halted and they were led into one of the facilities where their hands and legs were binded, all their lugages including their mobile phone confisticated and were ordered to sit on the cold tiled floor. Several hours later the door flew opened and people waltz inside carrying trays of food and water accompanied by a thick lady. She gave instructions to the gaurds to untie them so that they can eat properly after which she left immediately.

  Excuse me sir, please let us go we will give you whatever you want and won’t tell a soul,’ Hajiya Zainab pleaded with one of the maids, who obviously ignored her, continuing with his task after which he left.

  Mummy what are these men planning to do with us, are they going to kill us? Amara asked as she started sobbing afresh in her mother’s bosom. Her mother who was finding it difficult to withold her emotions burst into tears of her own, soon the other ladies followed suit, while the young men looked on with a moody despondency, their thoughts running amok. No one even pickled on the meal that by the time the maids came to retrieve the plates they were surprised it was as they’d left it. But by the following day after nature has taken toil on their stomach they were gracious when the meals arrived. After saying the grace they dive into the contents ferociously consuming it in minutes, realising starvation wasn’t a choice given their present predicament.

  Mummy I want to pee,’ Amara complained for the umpteenth time. Her mom called out to the gaurds pleading fervently with them before they capitulated, escorting each one so that they can ease themselves. When they returned, they proceeded to tie them up again but were halted by a loud baritone voice instructing them not to.

  There will be no need for that, let them enjoy whatever little freedom they’ve left,’ Alhaji Nasiru commanded stepping into the room,’ because tomorrow night they die.

  Haba Nasiru so you’re responsible the one for this. What did my husband or his family ever did to you to deserve this,’ lamented Hajiya Fatima.

  Everything, that sneaky conniving husband of yours made it his personal ambition my business empire never progressed beyond his expectation. And how did he accomplish it? By manipulating all our business associates, multinational and foreign corporation to mitigate dealings with my corporation all because he was good friends with the governor thereby having the necessary political backing.

  That is a lie Nasiru, my husband position as the chairman brought nothing but good tidings for all of you his associates. Everyone businesses flourished churning profits upon profits. I was privy to the monthly reports which can attest to that fact.

  Yes it would but I could have made far more if only that obstinate husband of yours had obliged me.

  He won’t because he knows you’re greedy, selfish and vicious, qualities that have the tendecies of ruining everything. My husband is an upright man with a good heart.

  Your husband was a fool,’ he retorted loudly. He trusted blindly and thinks he can control everyone. He was always opposing me and countering my ideas and opinions, making me look bad in the presence of the partners.

  He didn’t have to because your narcissitic specious personality resonates from every orifice in your body, even a nitwit needn’t blink to figure it out,’ she rejoinded sarcastically.

  Alhaji Nasiru heaved and nodded his head with nasty smirk on his lips pondering on her utterance.

  I don’t blame you, he is your husband and who knows what lies he has been feeding you concerning me but you know what, I wasn’t only the bad guy but also the smartest,’ he said nodding to one of his men to put on the televison. Everyone shifted their gaze to the screen; their curiosity soon transforming to bewilderment. Hajiya Fatima let out a faint gasp her hands clasping her mouth in stupefaction, her face turning pale. Alhaji Nasiru switch of the television set chuckling as he did.

  What you’ve seen is the reality of what your high flying family has become. Father murdered by his beloved son whom by the way is now a rabid member of the Al-sahad sect. That foolish son of yours came to me seeking for help but before I could lift my fingers to render any assistance, like his father he sneaked out on me and landed himself on the sect. Now he’s out there in battle maiming, plundering and killing innocent people. None of these would have happen if only he’d let me help him and him returning the gesture too. He would have saved his family this heartbreak and misfortune.

  Hajiya Fatima and Zainab were so downtrodden weeping siliently while the others stared on in disbelief.

  I’ve got business to attend to right now,’ he said staring at the silvery platinum watch on his wrist, but first thing tomorrow you’re going to get me certain documents from your husband safe, and also sign some very important files bestowing me the corporation and enabling me to act in full capacity as the chairman,’he revealed. Afterwhich I’ll have no use of you, you’ll be disposed of like the rest of your crappy family, ciao.

  After he’d left a dense atmosphere blanketed the room, very little was said, the sniffing and sobbing gradually reduced after a while. The thick lady came in and went straight to open the window blinds for fresh air afterwhich she informed them that dinner will be ready soon and that they should all try to eat and relax. Mrs Nwankwo scowled at her; the two Hajiyas ignored her while Val and Eugene smiled in accquicsence to her comment. If they are going to die anyway better do it on a full stomach. After she’d left, her voice could be heard conversing with the gaurds outside.

  Going by Alhaji Nasiru’s word, by this time the next day evening they will all be dead, unless God intervenes,’ Val thought shaking his head in anguish and raveling in what is like being dead.

  What are you thinking about? Eugene whispered at him

  Nothing,’ he replied blankly

  Liar, you are thinking about tommorrow right?

  Val was mute.

  I can tell you this for sure I won’t be dying easily, one of my killers must go down with me.

  Val gasp and hissed,’ and how do you intend to accomplish that,’ he said turning warily to face him, his mouth dropped in awe. Eugene has loosened himself from the shackles and sitting freely.

  How did you———-?

  Sssshhhh,’ Eugene shushed him showing him a small pen knife. Stuffs learned from being one of the baddest dudes on campus,’ he said unbuckling Val.

  How about the ladies?

  Leave them like this for now, I have an idea,’he said whispering to his ears.

  At about five pm, the servants rolled in trays of food and drinks setting it in front of them as if appeasing a diety. Immediately they left, both guys pounced on the meals with their ravenous appetite much to the dismay of Mrs Nwankwo who didn’t relent in scolding them for thinking about food in perilious times such as this. As they ate, the thick lady walked in to ensure everyone was okay. There was something about her airy personality whic
h exudes charm and grace that made even a cold uncomplacent woman like Mrs Nwankwo and heartbroken widows like Hajiya Fatima and Zainab eat their meals at her behest. Neverthelest the boys observed her surreptitiously deciding she will be the first to go.

  Friendly devils are usually the deadliest,’ Val noted to Eugene who concurred with a nod.

  Suddenly the silence in the room was abruptly shredded by gun shots emanating from within the compound accompany by screeching tyres and loud voices. Val and Eugene impulsively spranged to their feet to the amazement of the rest folks and hid beside the door. Val took a kitchen fork from the dish while Eugene held on firmly to his pen knife. Mrs Nwankwo with a bufuddle expression inquired what was going on. Val remarked that he wasn’t going to let anyone hurt him or his family without a fight. Mrs Nwankwo broke down in tears and in her broken tone pleaded for them not to act foolishly but Val shushed her in mid sentence upon hearing footsteps approaching. A male figure entered the room taking mental note then suddenly turning around sharply upon realising something was amiss, just then both guys pounce on him. Eugene gripped him hard and tossed him on the floor while Val picked up his gun and pointed it at him forcing him to surrender.

  Stop right now or I will shoot,’ Val heard from behind feeling the cold metallic nozzle of a gun on his head. He dropped his weapon immediately and slowly turned around with both hands up. The nice thick lady and another man have guns pointed directly at both of them.

  Damn,’he cursed under his breath hating the woman even more.

  Pleasa madam have mercy on me, don’t kill my son,’ cried Mrs Nwankwo. Forgive them, infact shoot me instead.

  Take hold of yourself woman,’ she said not taking her eyes off them. What the fuck were you guys thinking; do you want to get yourself killed? She inquired with a hint of concern.

  What do you care, it’ll still happen sooner or later. You can as well do it now, what difference does it make,’ Eugene retorted exhaustively.