In preparation for Wednesday’s naming ceremony, Rachel had instructed Chidinma and Akpan to do the cleaning of both the interior and exterior of the house. And since the naming of the baby would be a sitting room thing, as it has always been in the Obi-Patrick family for many decades now.
Even though Rachel didn’t instruct Dolapo to do anything, she still volunteered to help. And since Rachel’s mum was out of the house, Dolapo was free a bit, even though one look from Rachel is always enough to make her withdraw into her shell.
“Aunty, can I clean your room?” Dolapo asked. Rachel who was seated in the living room gave her a are-you-out-of-your-sense look.
“And why will you help me clean my room? Did I call you to do the cleaning at all?” Rachel asked rudely. Dolapo knew this was the only time she had to speak with Rachel.
“Aunty, since yesterday you have been acting somehow like you suddenly hate me. Did I do anything wrong?” Dolapo asked going down on her knees.
“Go and clean my room.” Rachel replied.
“Aunty, you’ve not answered my question.” She reminded.
“Dolapo! Go and clean my room.” Rachel said. Dolapo walked out of the living room elated that Rachel was finally talking to her, but for how long? Even though she knew she was allowed to clean the room so that she(Rachel) won’t answer her question.
Immediately she entered the room she started cleaning the room, even though she admired everything in the room, from their wedding frame, the king size bed and so mny other interesting things in the room. She walked towards the cloth basket and emptied the dirty clothes on the floor, some papers were stuffed within the clothes and on checking one or two of the papers, she realised they were cash deposit slips or withdrawal slips.
She swept all the papers out of the room into the living room and packed them to a side while she returned to the room to clean the electronics and other dusty appliances in the room.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Chief Obi Patrick whose car had just parked inside his son’s compound. He headed for the first day of the father Christmas, otherwise known as Santa. Chief Patrick was ushered into the living room by Rachel who was looking super sexy and strong like she was when she just got married to Clement. Her curves were well visible, that from the other side, one could describe them from the other side.
“Where is my baby?” Chief Obi asked.
“Your baby is somewhere in our room, let me first get you something to drink.” She said as she disappeared into the kitchen and returned a few seonds with a bottle of red wine lying on a plastic tray and a wine cup. She set the tray on a nearby stool and made to walk out of the living room.
“Let me get your grand daughted for you.” Rachel said walking towards the bedroom. Chief Patrick in his ever inquisitive state saw a heap of papers parked to a side inside the living room. His curiosity got the better of him as he picked the first paper and discovered they were all mostly bank statements. But a particular paper cauhgt his attention.
On the frontpage was him seated in a round table with top politicians and terrorists which said at all about his involvement with terrorism in the country. He could see so many shocking revelations about himself in the paper. He quickly tucked it inside his jean pocket.
Rachel returned a few seconds later and handed the baby to him, but all the while, his mind was far away, deep into thoughts.” he knew within him that Rachel was in the best position to get these shocking He will have to uncover whoever was trying to put him in trouble.
—
Janet was sitting down all alone in the living room watching a kiddies programme when Don walked in.
“Hey.” He greeted. She looked at Don and smiled before adjusting her sitting position, such that she was now facing him. “You are leaving.” Don said. “To where?” She asked. “Sandra wants you back.” He replied. She shifted uncomfortably on the couch and with a defiant look on her face.
“I am not going anywhere.” She said.
“Why?” Don asked.
“She ordered you people to r*pe me till death which your boys tried doing, if not for your intervention…” Her voice trailed off. A heartless man is always moved by the tears of a woman. Either the tears pummel you in a positive way or it made you do negative things, research showed it that eighty percent of men hates to see women cry.
“Believe me Janet, she called me and asked me not to order my boys anymore.” Don replied sitting down on the arm of the chair.
God created humans in a way that women are to believe everything that a man says. A woman will always be brainwashed by a man which is why the rate of heartbreak is high.
“Janet, it is evident that Sandra loves you and only over-reacted because of what you did. Just put yourself in her shoes and tell me what you would have done.” Don explained.
“I am not going anywhere. All I want you to do for me is get me transport fare to leave Lagos for Ibadan.” She said.
“You are going back to Sandra’s house.” Deoye said as he walked into the living room. At once Don rose up and walked out of the living room.
“Sandra wants the best for you. She wants you back so you can make things right and live like sisters. She is starting to feel lonely.” Deoye said.
Research has it that women believe men with whom they were attracted to or crushing on faster than any random guy. Janet was falling in love with Deoye but Deoye was not ready for commitment of any sort and therefore, he wanted nothing with him.
“Deoye, are you sure about this?” she asked.
“I am very sure, give it a try and move in with her. Get a reunion with her, your safety is guaranteed with her.” Deoye explained.
“What of here or somewhere else?” she asked.
“You are safe here too, but not hundred percent.” She understood what he meant by saying she is not safe.
“What job do you guys do?” She asked.
“I am not permitted to tell you. So will you get your things now?” He asked.
“I have nothing to take with me.” Deoye removed his wallet and removed wads of naira noted, he handed it to her.
“I will miss you.” She said. He wanted to laugh out loud but he knew that will make her look embarrassed. But why would she miss him? It was not like they shared anything in common, maybe because he once gave her a listening ear to know why she teamed up with Rahmon and once gave her clothes to wear.
“I wish you a safe trip.” He said.
She inched closer towards him and held his two hands. She was a feet shorter than him so it was quite difficult for her to initiate the kiss. She went on her tip toe and planted a kiss on his lips.
“Bye.” She said.
“I’ll tell Don that you’ve left.” Deoye replied. And with this she walked out of Don’s apartment.
————
She was at the bus-stop waiting for a cab when a man ran up to her. She thought he was coming to ask her out or something related to that.
“Hi.” Mike said.
“Hi.” She replied.
“I saw you come out of that two flat apartment.” He said. Afterall, he was here for something else. “Please, don’t be angry because of my questions o.” He said.
“No problems.”
“Do you live there or you just came to visit them? Are you a girlfriend or a what?” Mike asked.
“My boss was out of town so I decided to spend those days with them.” She replied.
“Who is your boss?” Mr Man, your questions are getting too much. She felt the urge to say to his face but decided to stick to the decision to save her a+s as well as that of her boss and that of Don and his boys, most especially Deoye. She can’t imagine herself saying, I blackmailed my boss and got eight million from her, my boss Sandra sent someone after me and I was abducted and taken to Don’s apartment where I have been locked up. She knew everyone is in trouble if she said the truth.
“You must have been very close to them for you to come and live with them.” Mike retorted.
“We are just friends and they are willing to help.”
“Anything suspiscious about them?” He asked.
“Nothing at all.” Just then, the cab she had been waiting for came to a halt before them.
“Where?” The cabman asked.
“Dolphin estate.” She replied. Mike stood as she entered the cab and helped her shut the door.
“Thank you for your time.” He said.
She smiled at him as the cab zoomed off.
*******
Kelvin looked at her for a few seconds in silence before speaking.
“What are you talking about?” He asked.
“The tattoo on your chest. What does it stand for?” She asked with a straight face.
“Only occultic tattoo have what they stand for. I only drew it because I love it.” He replied.
“I think I have seen it before somewhere.” She said, further throwing him into confusion.
“Maybe something that looks like it. If I may ask, where did you see it?” He asked.
“I saw it on my brother’s chest, even though he didn’t tell me what it meant. But he is somehow connected to the Khal corp and Danger-kelv.” Ngozi replied. Kelvin readjusted himself on the seat and looked at Ngozi intently.
“Your brother? Is he a terrorist?” Kelvin asked. Ngozi nodded in affirmation.
“What’s his name?”
“Nwankwo.” She replied.
All his life, he had only met one person who goes by the name Nwankwo, and that person is either in the mortuary by now or six feets under the earth surface. “He is popularly known as Jay.” She added.
“But I thought he is dead?” He had blurted out before he caught a grip of himself, but words spoken can not be taken back.
“How did you know?” She asked. He ransacked his brain for a while, the failure to come up with a convincing lie will only present a bad picture before Ngozi.
“We heard he outsmarted the police team led by Sylvester in Benin city a few days later, he was shot at a restaurant. The headline news said he is dead.” He explained.
“He has since been taken to the hospital. He is in custody as we speak.” Ngozi replied.
“He is your brother?”
“Yes.” She replied as tears rolled down her cheeks. He pulled her head and dropped it on his laps while he allowed her to cry. His mind drifted off in a very long journey out of the car. If truely Jay is alive, then he(Kelvin) is a few steps away from arrest. Unless Jay decides to let it pass which is most unlikely because after he had tried to kill him, he’ll want to hit back at him.
“Sorry dear.” He said as he played with her hair. He raised her head up and placed it a few inches away from him, and slowly, he had his lips enveloping hers as they kissed.
“Get off me.” She screamed as she pushed him away.
“Am sorry.” He said.
“Get out.” She said igniting the car. He alighted from the car and she angrily zoomed off leaving him stunned and surprised.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Mum, there is nothing I can do about this case. Victoria is guilty of the offence and she’ll be punished.” Clement said.
“I know, but you can help her, she is your only sister. You’ve been apart for many years and now that you are back together, she is going to jail. Clement, do something.” His mother said.
“Mum, the only thing I can do for her now is not really helpful, but if we can pray, it will work.” He said and watched his mother’s reaction. “No one at present knew Victoria was a wanted assassin. All she is being charged for is the fire arm in her possession. Lets pray no one digs or uncovers her past deeds, then she’ll have a linient jail term. If you can get a sound lawyer, I think its a major advantage.” Clement explained. Mrs Alice Obi Patrick tried to process what her son just said.
“Are you saying she will still go to jail even if we get a sound lawyer?” she asked.
“Mum, she will go to jail. The only reason why she won’t go to jail is if the procecutors(the police) didn’t present their case well. But from what Matilda told me, no doubt, those guns belonged to Victoria. Get a good lawyer and he should be able to tune the case to her favour.” He explained.
“How can I get a lawyer?”
“I have a lawyer friend, he could be of help.” Clement replied.
*****
Chief Obi Patrick had since returned back home in anger but he was able to hide it from Rachel as they conversed a few hours ago when he was with her. He wondered how many people Rachel had showed the paper to, but he knew whoever had seen the paper was either bidding his time to attack him or too afraid to make a move. But whichever way, he surely must make Rachel pay for tampering with his privacy just because he gave her the opportunity to enter his study to read the numerous books he had in his library. No wonder he saw a page showing him details of the ‘Eagle group’ a few months ago, so Rachel was trying to play the smart one by getting as much informations about Eagle group, now turned Khal corp. He picked up his phone and dialled a number.
“Hello Maleek.” He said.
“Hello Chief Pat.” Maleek replied.
“I want Rachel killed before the end of next week. I want your best man, Danger-kelv to handle the case and execute it without trace.” Chief Patrick began.
“Any problem Pat?”
“She has everything possible to nail me and the president. She has the pictures we took when we signed a contract with you guys, she has some other materials which had been put into writing in her possession.” Chief Obi explained.
“I am on it right away.” Maleek replied.
He dropped the phone and his mind drifted off beyond the four walls of the study. Is this the best of ideas? Will killing Rachel solve the problem? What if she had shown the paper to Clement, it will definitely make no difference. Maybe he would have to order his death too. Isn’t he getting to desperate to clear his own name?
“Rachel must pay for this.” He said with gritted teeth.
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++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Clement just saw off his mother to her car and he was walking back into his office with a heavy heart.
“Sir!” A young coporal saluted him as they met at the doorway.
“What are you doing now?”He asked.
“I want to go and eat sir.” He replied.
“Okay. Get me a less busy officer from your end there, he should meet me in my office immediately, we are going out.” Clement said.
“I’ll go with you.” The coporal replied.
“But I thought you wanted to go and eat. Why the sudden change?”
“Food can wait.” Majority of the junior officers in the station are always striving to be in Clement’s good books because it guarantees you a risk-free service years. It is the dream of every young officers to go out with Clement, either to question a suspect or make an arrest. They learn a lot from him and their preparedness to work will further endear them to him, a trick which has worked for the likes of Sergeant Mike, Sergeant Charles and Detective Okoro over the years. When you become Clement’s favourite, your chances of being transferred are slim, if at all such officer would be transferred, it would be within the state of Lagos or within the south-west region of the country.
“Wait for me, I’ll be with you shortly.” Clement said and walked away. On getting to his office he put a call through to Mike.
“Hey Mike, send me Sandra Oselu’s residence address.” He said immediately Mike answered the call.
“Right away.” Mike replied and hung up. Just then Ngozi walked into the office.
“Hi.” she said dropping his car key on his table.
“Oh! I almost forgot you went out with my car. And I am going out now, thank God you returned at the right time.” He said. Ngozi ignored him and sat down behind her desk. Her conversation with Kelvin was still ringing in her head, she felt the urge to share it with Clement, but she concluded she was matured and experienced enough to handle it. She could see some uncovered loopholes from what Kelvin said to her, everything pointed to him as probably being a member of Khal corp, but he looked so innocent than to be involved in such. Clement smiled immediately the anticipated message flew in.
“See you later Ngo.” He said and made for the door.
“Clement.” She called. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her. “Jay asked that you see him. He has something important to tell you.” She said.
“I don’t listen to people like him. They add no value to the society, how will what he wants to tell me improve my living condition?” He asked and walked out of the office. Ngozi knew Clement replied that way just to make her feel bad because she was the one related to a terrorist. She knew he was still hurting from their last conversation on the night she ran away from home.
******
Proceedings at the upper chamber of the National assembly otherwise known as the senate was on recess. Several lawmakers can be seen in twos or threes as the case may be discussing various issues that has to do with the Nation or their personal interest. The president of the senate was seated on his seat while his deputy and other top lawmakers from the ruling party were discussing a few metres away from others.
As stipulated in the Assembly ethics and modes of operation, during every sitting, there will always be an hour recess during which side issues can be discussed, during which men of the press can be granted permission to interview any lawmaker of their choice. A man walked into the hall that moment dressed in a white flowing gown with a cap to match. Everything about his dressing smelt influence, he seems to be an influencial politician because, as he moved closer to the senate president’s seat he exchanged pleasantries with almost every lawmaker in the hall.
“Mr President.” The man said shaking hands with the senate president. He shook hands with other lawmakers he met around the senate president.
“You asked to see me?” The senate president asked.
“Yes, Mr president.” He replied.
“Go on.” The senate president urged. The man cleared his throat and began.
“I have been working with the president of this great nation for many years now, and as a loyal servant, he has used me the way he pleases, sent me on errand which he himself can not do if he were to be in my shoes. I did them all, afterall I am working with the number citizen of this country for the good and benefit of the masses. As his special aide, he had taken his time and confided in me, told me many things which ought not to be heard of a president. Even an autocratic ruler can’t do such things, not to talk of a democratic ruler.” He began.
He could see the look of impatience on the faces of his audience, he couldn’t be blamed, he worked with the president as a special assistant on media and publicity, so his long speeches were mostly expected. Afterall he was an orator.
“We have less than twenty minutes before proceedings resumes?” The Deputy senate president reminded.
“I have the list of those sponsoring khal corporation.” He blurted out. The Senate president gave him a are-you-out-of-your-mind look.
“The list of what?” The president asked.
“Those sponsoring terrorism as a weapon of insurgency in Nigeria.” The man replied confidently. The senate president himself knew those sponsoring Khal corp, even though he was not a part of the game plan, but as the number three citizen of the country, the president briefed him about it, but expected it to be kept a secret.
“How sure are you?” The deputy senate president asked.
“I have most of the recordings with me. He makes strategies with the chiefs of the army and other security agencies and later sell out the strategies to Khal corp who will in turn take the advantage of knowing the next move of the Nigerian millitary even before and average soldier knew about it. The only part of the country where the president is not making headway is in the South west, Lagos state to be precise. You know Lagos is governed by an opposition who directly work with the police as the strongest security agency in the state. The plan of the president now is to declare a state of emrgency in Lagos, then appoint a millitary administrator. Meaning, the soldiers will have the ultimate power and all existing office holders will be powerless, same with the police.” The presidential aide explained.
This is a shocking revelation and the senate president knew if this should get out of the few of them discussing presently, if the opposition by chance get this piece of information, it means the end for the young president who at fifty is currently nursing his second term ambition. He needed to find a way to discharge this man and make sure the next sitting immediately after recess which will mainly be about the emergency rule deliberation.
“Drop all evidences with the clerk of the house.” The senate president said. The man gave a brown envelop to the clerk who was also part of the listening lawmakers. The presidential aide exited the hall and headed for the senate president’s office.
Sitting resumed a few minutes later and as expected, the senate president adjourned the sitting as supported by the majority.
—
Clement parked his car in front of Sandra Oselu’s bungalow. In company of the junior officer, he walked up to the gate and pressed the ring, alas, it wasn’t working. He knocked the gate lightly and he could hear approaching footsteps.
“Who be that?” A masculine voice asked. The gate was yanked open and it revealed the face of a young man with tribal marks, his intonation sounds like that of a notherner, but that’s not what brought him here.
“Is this Sandra Oselu’s house?” Clement asked.
“Yes sir. How may I help you?” The gateman, Sabur asked.
“My name is Inspector Clement from the police headquarters. We need to ask her some questions.” Clement replied flashing his ID card which he quickly tucked back in his b—-t pocket as it seemed the man before him believed him, so there was no need showing his ID card.
“You ai(are) a policeman? Inspector.” Sabur asked. Clement nodded affirmatively. “come in.” Sabur stepped aside and opened the gate wider for the two men to enter. “Wait here, let me go and inform my madam.” He said and in a flash, he had disappeared into the main house. A few minutes later, he returned.
“Come with me.” Clement followed the young man who only showed the trait of a gatekeeper and not a security, because under normal circumstance, he should first seek permission from his employer before allowing them entrance into the compound.
“Thank you Sabur.” A young lady of about twenty six said. Clement and his partner walked into the living room proper and came face to face with the international model and another young lady who was kneeling before Sandra with tears in her eyes.
“I am Inspector Clement Patrick and with me here is…” Clement said, then he realised he didn’t even know the name of the officer beside. Seeing his boss predicament, he quickly chipped in.
“Coporal Olawale.” Sandra smiled and motioned them to a seat. After the two officers had taken their seats, silence enveloped the living room and Clement continued looking from Sandra to the other girl who by now was seating beside Sandra. Sandra knew what it meant and put it into action.
“Janet, excuse us.” She said. Oh! Janet is her name? What a nice name. Not like he cared about her name in the first place, but he loved the way ‘Janet’ sounded when Sandra spoke. The girl stood up and greeted the two officers once again before walking out of the living room.
“How may I help you guys?” Sandra asked.
“Yeah, thank you. Like I said earlier, we are policemen and we have some questions for you.” Clement began. Sandra nodded and just then, Janet returned into the living room with a 1litre pack of fruit juice.
“Please manage the drink for me. I stock my fridge with fruit juice nothing else.” Sandra said smiling. Clement smiled. If we still have fearless citizens in this country who in the wake of getting a surprise visit by the police could still serve them with drinks, then he was convinced, such citizens had no skeleton in their cupboard, but it could all be pretense or a ploy to get them killed. But he knew, Sandra was confident because of her status as a public figure and a celebrity.
“On thursday, last week, you were spotted at an apartment in Isolo, belonging to one Mr Oloyede.” Clement began. She remembered visiting Don who lived in Isolo, but the Mr Oloyede in this context is unknown to her. Maybe Don’s real name was Oloyede. “What’s your relationship with him. The man is on the police wanted list and seeing a young and respectable woman of your status and class with such criminal, we can not but wonder what could be going on.” Clement added.
Sandra looked at the two policemen and decided to open up to them. Afterall, she hadn’t done anything illegal or unlawful. She explained everything from the onset but refused to include Janet’s name in the narration. How one of her former employee had sneaked into her room and took a picture of her and a certain lawyer. Then blackmailers came into the picture, she was made to cough out eight million naira, but on the long run, she got to know who was responsible for the act. She was not a serial liar, but she was sure with what she just said, it will be difficult for anybody to see through it. Unless they get Victoria, but she made sure she didn’t mention her name. It is only Victoria who could tell them she personally went to get Janet from her house. But first, Janet had to return her own share of the blackmail money back to Rahmon.
“You said you knew the person behind the act. Could you please tell us.”
“His name is Rahmon.” She replied.
Clement exchanged looks with his partner who stared back blankly. He had no idea of who Rahmon was. “He is in our custody.” Clement said.
“Really? I am coming with you.” She said and quickly ran out of the living room. But who told her they were ready to leave?
to be continued–
