by Bill O. A
However, Taiye’s situation was different. The month after he was found outside the convent, a sum of one hundred thousand naira was paid into the account of the Christian body with the reference ‘boy on the step’. When the Abbess saw this, she immediately realised it was for Moses, a befitting name for the baby based on the circumstances. The nuns took special care of him, knowing that one day his people would come for him, but then, ten years on the one hundred thousand naira kept coming on the same day every year. This got the establishment worried, but with the right counsel, it was decided the boy should be moved to a seminary and trained to be a Catholic priest. And so, Moses’ journey into the religious began.
Two days ago, a retreat at the minor seminary had ended. They had been incommunicado with the outside world during that time; conditions necessary to observe full communion with one’s God. Moses’ music teacher had come across a newspaper with the story; one look at Kenny’s face he knew the mystery was over.
The Most Reverend Father in charge of the Ibadan Archdiocese was about to drive into the residence of Bode Williams. Two armed police escorts had joined his motorcade at the border of Lagos State with Ogun State, acting on strict orders from above.
George knew that this was a crucial moment; he just needed to confirm if Taiye was indeed the ghost man before he called San Francisco. He arrived Lagos with Efosa about an hour earlier and the entire team had a deep conversation. Everybody was waiting.
The vehicle with the boy and the Catholic leader drove past the reporters outside. The Benz S Class drove up to the front of the house, the car door opened and Bishop Funsho alighted. The Williams family and their guest waited to see who would come out next. The young Moses/Taiye joined the priest; one look at him and he was a replica to Kenny, no doubt whatsoever. Bode and Toun ran to the boy and held him, they were in tears. George moved to the right side of the boy and waited till he had a clear view.
There it was; a mole on his right cheek. It was him all right, with respect to the original sketch. His wait and resolve have been worthwhile. Finally, everyone went into the house.
Frank Fields heard the news and left his hotel room at Westfoster Harbour, Ikoyi, a twelve-minute drive to Bode’s house. As usual, he connected with his fellow ‘colleagues’ and got the update he needed. So George was inside with the family and obviously strategizing on how to make the body contact between the Jones girl and the recovered boy.
The incident reminded him of how he was born and ended up with a different family, the revenge he had sought and where it had taken him to. He thought deeply about using the explosives he had acquired, but blowing up the house and everyone in it, especially this rejoicing family would be sheer hatred and callousness. His family had died under similar circumstances; grenades from a group of Marines back then in the war. He had to control his emotions and think of a better plan, after all the FBI wasn’t here.
He moved around amongst the crowd outside the Williamses’ gate and decided to return to his room at the hotel. The family would be making a statement tomorrow morning and answering questions from reporters just around where he stood, surely George would tag along for his ceremonial role. He could strike then. He would have to plan this right so that there would be no mistake or his capture as he seemed to stand out from the crowd. Only two other non-Africans were in the group of journalists.
He stopped a commercial bike popularly called okada, his mode of transport within Lagos Island where he was staying; easy for moving around and getting stuff. He got on the motorcycle and headed for his hotel.
The phone call from Lagos to California took a while to connect. George was wondering what the problem could be, then before he knew it, he heard Donald’s voice.
“Professor,” called out Mr Jones, “It seems you are having a swell time over there. I hope you haven’t forgotten the main reason for your visiting the giant of Africa.”
“Not at all my friend,” replied the ex-Marine. “I wanted to send congratulations when they were right and assured.”
“You have found him!” exclaimed Donald.
“Yes, he has been found,” replied George. “But it was destiny that brought him out. It seems all is going according to plan.”
“So when are you bringing him over?”
“It is too early to say what the plan would be. As you are aware, the boy hasn’t been with his real family since birth. It is only normal we allow reunion to take its course. I will speak to the CIA American asset here on how he can help us convince the family of the need to finalise this much anticipated and correct ‘handshake’, give or take the next five days.”
“I understand my friend,” replied Donald. “But don’t you think the FBI should be informed of your intent to return to the country? You know the crazy hitman on your case hasn’t been found.”
“I have to admit I didn’t think about that,” replied George. “I have gotten used to my freedom. I suspect once we confirm that the curse has been lifted, my identity and location would change till the Asian is found. That should be a matter for that time. Right now, how to approach this lieutenant colonel for his invaluable input is of greater concern to me. The man has blended in with this society and there is no trace of Americanism in him. His total devotion for the good of this country is overwhelming for a ‘sleeper’. I guess we become what we are.”
Donald laughed. “Professor don’t worry. I got assurances from the businessman that his son will visit the USA immediately he is found. He shares our concern that my daughter needs to be liberated. Just let the CIA asset be aware of that promise.”
“This is noted,” replied George. “I believe goodbyes are in order for the day. I will contact you tomorrow for a general update on our progress here.”
“Thank you,” said Donald.
Frank arrived at his hotel and passed through the large entrance gate. He took a few steps and noticed some tourists speaking Welsh looking at the back of their truck. It seems they just got back from hunting. A prize kill had been made and the tourists were admiring their work. What really attracted the Asian was their hunting weapon of choice, it was an M24 rifle. He knew the rifle’s bag anywhere, anytime.
He pretended to be interested in their kill and walked in their direction. The men switched their language to English whenever a stranger came close. Frank looked at the dead animal and saw two bleeding points, one on its leg and another on its side around the heart; the meat will go to the locals for their consumption while its head and its much desired horns will end up in its killer’s collection of deer-head décor.
Frank smartly got a room number off one of the men and knew within him that he would be breaking in to steal the man’s rifle. Once that has been achieved, he would stay in the sixteen-floor edifice close to the Williamses’ house and make his final shot at this rather elusive target.
He walked away wishing the tourists a happy vacation. A weapon of history and choice has finally been identified; he smiled at the thought of what is to come.
Chapter 44
All Areas, Nigeria
17th July 2015, 10:15 a.m.
Slightly over a week later a lot of things had happened. First, Alhaji had left for the capital city to meet the President on the day he visited Bode. He felt his OML was on the way and didn’t want to lose steam on that front, so he made quick arrangements and went to the skies one more time. He arrived in Abuja before dusk and headed to Aso Rock Villa to meet the country’s commander-in-chief.
They had a private meeting lasting close to three hours, after which Alhaji conceded to His Excellency’s agreement and surrendered himself to the Inspector General of Police. He was taken into custody under special arrangement. On Monday he was arraigned in court on diverse charges relating to the double incident of year 2000 in Kaduna. Due to the distinct nature of the crime and public attention, the prosecution, defence and court proceedings remained in the capital rather than Kaduna where the crime was committed.
Alhaji’s guilty plea sh
ocked the nation and everyone was waiting for the verdict today, so was the Williams family and their visiting friends. Everyone in the house was glued to the television; it was an anxious moment.
Azeem on the other hand had managed to evade arrest, as his whereabouts became unknown after his friend informed him of his intended visit to the seat of power for a perceived business matter. His keen senses felt different about it and things weren’t quite adding up as they should. He contacted the most experienced criminal in the gang of would-be kidnappers and gave him strict instructions to come with a plan based on the present realities, then follow the same, to a logical end and make certain the availability of the main ingredients.
He left his SUV and mobile phone behind in that building, changed his clothing to a pair of jeans, T-shirt and a construction site helmet. A jump over the building’s fence and he was no longer traceable. All he had with him was a briefcase of cash and a diary with all his current contacts, including the new criminals in the boardroom.
Frank Fields had become frustrated ever since he confirmed that George was now a resident in the Williamses’ house and had stolen the M24 rifle. The police had provided special security to the celebrating family as many people from around the State wanted to join them in their golden moment. Five blocks were cut off from movement to control the public and give the family some reprieve during this time.
Kenny was to finish his term in secondary school in a boarding house, while Toun and Taiye were to travel to the USA for a month on a bonding holiday. They would also visit the Jones and make sure Amy and Taiye shake hands. George would escort them on the trip; they just needed to finish watching the court sentencing which had been adjourned till that day after the guilty plea, then leave for the airport.
Bode would go on a business trip, visiting locations around the country, where he had existing contracts during the absence of his family. He would stay away from Lagos till they return; normality had to be strategically returned to the nation.
Frank got word from a fellow reporter that Taiye would be leaving the country that day; the journalist from The Sun newspaper had managed to schedule an interview with Bode the day Alhaji pleaded guilty. The Asian knew that his lack of ability to strike due to the unexpected intervention of the police barricades could be compensated for by a strike in the airport, but a public place like that wouldn’t be easy to operate from.
He would need to conceal his weapon and bring it into the airport. He would also need a location to place his weapon as to aim accurately was also very crucial. The weather had changed and it seemed the rains were coming. He decided to leave the crowd of reporters and head to the airport to strategically await his target. Once this sentencing was over the entire city would go into jubilation and a traffic jam might occur.
Frank returned to his room and gathered what he needed; a hotel taxi parked outside the exit waited for him. From the driver’s electronic map, it would take him forty-five minutes to get to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, not bad considering it was a Friday.
The judge pronounced four acquittals and three life sentences. The last sentencing was with respect to the murder of the twin girls. All attending the sentencing in court remained silent; such a speedy trial had never happened before in the country, especially for a man of tremendous reputation and clout as Alhaji.
The death sentence by hanging was met by instant jubilation. The court proceedings were televised and viewers across the country reacted with jubilation, the streets were filled with joyous youth, singing and dancing. There was an air of freedom and democracy at that moment. Alhaji remained unperturbed by the sentence. He stood there in the dock while his lawyers, three senior advocates, tried to salvage the situation.
“My lord, you know the defendant has an established relationship with our countrymen by his good deeds. A total of two billion dollars as his personal contribution to the development of various regions across the country has led to a direct impact of about ten million improved lives not to talk of the multiplier effect. This man is an institution. The families of the deceased are already talking with representatives from Alhaji’s family for an agreeable compensation. The civility on the matter would be settled in no time. We recommend you reconsider your position, based on remorse via his guilty plea and the potential savings of economic downturn of all those that are tied to the defendant either through employment or as vendors. The magnitude of a death sentence is beyond his person. It is proper at this stage that a fourth life imprisonment be passed and the matter brought to an end.”
The judge heard further pleas from other legal luminaries in the defence team, and then he cleared his throat and began to speak.
“Once life has been taken it cannot be replaced, but the law is open to reasoning thus accommodating to situations where intention wasn’t to cause grievous bodily harm or where death was caused by mistake, thus earning a corresponding lesser verdict and sentencing. The manner in which the defendant acted is not only barbaric but crude, savage and unbelievable. Justice is not just for the dead but for posterity and for society to learn and watch their ways. It is best the defendant is transferred to death row pending the presidential endorsement of his hanging. My decision is final.”
The judge rose to leave the court to his inner chambers. The attendees in court rose as well in orderly legal proceeding fashion.
Toun screamed in joy when she heard the final words of the judge. She was in their living room with Bode, George, Efosa and other well-wishers; they all felt a nation at peace with itself.
“Honey, I think you should be on your way now, there is no need to start a party here. It was expected anyway.”
“I guess you are right,” replied Toun. She took Taiye upstairs and began to make arrangements with her assistant to take the luggage to the car.
Twenty minutes later Toun, George and Taiye were on the Third Mainland Bridge en route to the airport.
It was almost noon when the travellers arrived at the airport. There was a little traffic here and there due to the celebration on the streets. The trio alighted from the car and began to walk to the entrance. Taiye was excited as this would be his first time out of the country; he never thought he could be the son of a millionaire. Life had turned round unbelievably fast for a regular boy in minor seminary. His journey to priesthood was over but what lay ahead was enough to keep him awake for some nights to come.
The queue to check in bags was not very long, but a wait for about forty minutes seemed like a good estimate based on the speed of the airline staff. George stood in front of Taiye, while the teenager stood in front of his mother watching keenly as events in the various sections of the airport took their usual course.
Frank had the historian in his sights through his telescope. He was savouring the moment. George pushed some bags forward and advanced in the queue; Taiye and Toun followed suit, so did the rest of the airline customers. Frank decided to take the shot. Moments before he pulled the trigger, he thought within himself how luck had played a crucial part in his killing spree to date.
He had arrived at the airport and found an entrance for commercial workers where they were pushing in fresh goods for the day’s sales. He offered to help, claiming that he had just got a space in one of the free sections and while he pulled one of the trolleys filled with groceries, he kept his special items underneath. No metal detectors were necessary at this part of the airport as all traders were vouched for through the high security. Besides, most of them didn’t get to the departure lounge where security was tightest and most strict.
As soon as he was in, he studied his environment and noticed only two airlines were travelling to the USA, one via stopover in London Heathrow and the other via stopover in Dubai. The interesting thing was that their stands were close to each other, so he had an advantage.
Further visual analysis of that section of the airport showed there were some offices upstairs. He went to the second floor and got a perfect view of the potential
queue. He had to choose between breaking into an empty office on his left or holding hostage the young female clerk in the office on his right. He knew he had to commit a smaller crime to achieve a bigger one, so he tricked the lady and had tied her up. Now he was in charge of a small office documenting airport levies on airlines.
He shut all the blinds and moved the free table close to the window. He placed the weapon on it and set it up. He knew the only way to muffle the sound from a shot was by using a cucumber, so one was ready to be used. He lay on it and tested his view, it was perfect. A little movement here and there and he had good cover of any angle on the queue.
Two hours later, customers queued up at the airline stands and began to prepare for their journey. George came into his view; he began to smile. Six minutes later, he pulled the trigger.
Chapter 45
All Areas, Nigeria
17th July 2015, 12:45 p.m.
Alhaji had remained in the small holding cell in the court premises pending when security would certify he could be moved. He walked calmly and assuredly for the seven-minute walk to the Black Maria convict van. People were astonished that he was rather calm for someone just given the death penalty. But the business colossus knew better, he would remain in captivity for a long time.
The impending possible eight years on death row would be challenging, but he knew his cash would come in handy. His lawyers had assured him that the deal he struck with the presidency was the best under the circumstances, and that with the right political pressure Aso Rock might be made to see reason for an early commute of a death sentence to life, he thought to himself, as he climbed the steps of his transporting truck.
The lawyers would always say sweet things to keep their client happy and for their payment to keep coming in. He was too experienced a businessman to expect a major shift in the agreed presidential plan, he would just have to wait it out. What was uppermost in his mind, was the contract renewal and enhancement with the east god; he hadn’t heard from Azeem since his arrest and couldn’t say for sure if the deed had been done. The architect knew what was at stake for both of them. It was best he saved the real situation and concluded the ritual with the chief priest in south-eastern Nigeria.