EPILOGUE

January, 2015.

"Great grand ma'ami e sope 'come and eat.'" 'Great grand ma'ami' was a compromise. since her mother would not allow her call her Ma'ami, Rose had settled for that. "Ma'ami smiled and indulged the young girl. "Come and eat' she repeated, Then said "I know how to say 'come and eat' in English already"
"But you don't say it." Rose retorted.
"It's because I prefer to say it in Yoruba."
"You can't learn it if you don't speak it." The girl admonished. "Now, let me teach you another one"
Leave Ma'ami alone Rose." Ese said as she entered Ma'ami's room, then she turned to Ma'ami  and said in a not too perfect Yoruba. "Ema ma da lohun, don't let her drain you."
"She won't rest until I speak English. It's her self imposed mission."
"A mission that she'll have to postpone. Allow Ma'ami to rest Rose, it's time for bed."
"Has Adeponle finally slept?" Ma'ami asked.
"Yeah, finally. The boy is an handful. Rose didn't give me that much headache."
"Male kids are a little bit more difficult to raise
"So I heard. Teju warned me, but I think Ponle is more troublesome than her son."
"How she doing? Your friend."
"Good, her second child should arrive in two months or so."
"May she deliver safely."
"Amin, odaro ma."
"Odaro iyawo mi."
Ese pulled the not too happy Rose along with her, as she left the room.

                           ☆☆☆

Siji dropped the phone as she walked into their bedroom.
"Jasper just called, he said he couldn't reach you. He'll be coming for dinner tomorrow." She said to him
"That would be great. It's been awhile we've had him around."
"Who were you on phone with?" She asked.
"That was Chief." He said
"You still can't bring yourself to call him dad?"
He shrugged.
"Anything the matter?" She asked.
"Pago lost the appeal. The Appeal Court upheld the Judgment of the High Court."
"Jeez!" Ese breathed.
"The case against him was strong. The testimonies of the two eyewitnesses who saw him shoot Sam could not just be thrown away. They described him and the vehicle well, they even got the number plate on camera. He is lucky he is escaping the gallows."
"What difference does that make? He got a life sentence." She said, then asked. "How's Chief taking it?"
"He's taking it well enough. He even asked me again to come work for him."
"And?"
"I said no."
"You still haven't forgiven him."
"Of course I have, If I haven't my kids won't be bearing his name. I won't even have anything to do with him. I acknowledge he is my biological father, but he lost his chance to be a true father. Hopefully if Ponle is interested in his company when he grows up, I won't try to stop him."
"Okay dear, but that would be a long wait." She said smiling. "And judging from how hyperactive my son is, he would rather be a sportsman."
Siji laughed at her joke. "Then let's help the poor rich old man out." He said as he pulled her into his embrace.
"How do we help him out?" She asked, looking clueless.
"Let's make another grandson for him, hopefully this one would prefer the company to sport."
"We are not having another baby Siji." She said, trying to appear serious but failing woefully.
"Yes, we are." He said laughing at her.
"I'm not having another baby Siji."
"Yes, you are."
He pushed and they both fell on the bed laughing.

THE END
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME AND DATA
About the Author

 Soji Adeola Ayanleke was born about 3 decades ago in Kano.
He studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he speaks Yoruba and Hausa fluently and he is trying to learn Igbo and Spanish. His hobbies are reading, writing and playing some indoor games.

ENVY 56

They were all silent for what seemed like eternity, before Siji asked. "Is it a certainty or just a possibility?"
"It's a possibility, a risk, depending on your body."
"Let's do it then." Siji said without thinking further.
"Or can we wait for the blood coming from Ibadan?" Ese offered.
"You heard him then, there isn't much time. When are we starting Kalu?
"In a bit, immediately after your bed is prepped up."
"Bed?"
"Of course, we can't take your blood while you are standing." Kalu replied, then added. "Excuse me, I need to go and make preparations," before leaving them. The three of them stood in the waiting room, saying nothing, each in deep thought.
Soon a nurse came to summon Siji, and Ese followed. She took them to a room and told them they had about fifteen minutes for the procedure to commence then she excused herself.
"You told me both of your parents were dead." Ese accused the moment they were alone.
"I told you my mum died given birth to me. I didn't lie about that."
"And your dad? You said he died before you were born."
"Because he left my mum when she took in. According to what Ma'ami told me, they were not married and he had a family, so he left. He was dead to me."
"This is crazy. Is that man out there really your dad?"
"I don't know. And sincerely, I don't want him to be. But the only possible way I can be Rose's dad is if he is my dad. And I want that real bad."
"This makes no sense, I'm finding it difficult to believe you and Pago are half brothers."
"Me too. But we shouldn't dwell on that now, let's save Rose's life first. The only person that can make sense out of this is Ma'ami. She didn't  tell me who my dad was. I have to call her now even. I need to tell her that I'm in the hospital, but alright." He said as he searched for his phone in his pockets. "I think I left my phone in my car. Can I borrow yours?"
"Mine isn't here either, it's in my car. Fatima is driving Pago down here in it for his treatment."
The nurse walked in then. "We are about to start, The doctor is waiting for you at his office madam, he said the document is ready."
"Can I get a pen and paper please?" Siji asked the nurse. She gave him the pen hanging from her breast pocket and tore a piece of paper from the notepad in her hand. Siji scribbled on the paper and gave it to Ese. "That's Ma'ami's number. Please call her as soon as possible. She was worried the last time we spoke and my phone has been off ever since. Tell her where I am, but that I'm fine."
Ese collected the paper and stepped out of the room."
"Can you please lie on the bed sir.?" The nurse said. "It's a painless procedure."

                             ☆☆☆

Siji opened his eyes. He could see he was still in the room, and he was alone. He must have slept for a long time. He looked through the blinds, it was already dark outside. Then he looked at the clock hanging on the wall, it was some minutes to nine. He realised he must have slept for about 8 hours. He attempted to get up, then he noticed the drip. He wondered how many he had received. He felt somewhat weak, but he wanted to get off the bed nonetheless. He needed to talk to someone. He needed to know if the operation had gone well. Just then, the door opened and Kalu walked in. He smiled at Siji as he walked towards the bed.
"I see you're up. How are you feeling?"
"Hungry and weak. I can eat an elephant." Siji replied, smiling back.
"It's normal to feel that way, considering the amount of blood we took from you. The drip should help, then I'll recommend you get some blood tonic and blood boosting diet."
"What about Rose? How did it go?" He could not keep himself from asking, even though the smile on Kalu's face was reassuring.
"The operation went well, and she is fine. She is a strong kid. She has been taken from the theatre to the paediatric unit to recover. She'll be there for a few days then you can take her home. You'll keep treating her wound of course, until it finally heals. That can be done at home or here, depending on what you want."
"Thank you so much Kalu, for everything." Siji said
"It's nothing bro, I am happy to see you after all these years and I'm glad you're doing well, despite all the odds. I only wished a more favourable circumstance had brought us together again."
"Yeah, me too."
"I am sorry for all you had to go through, for everything Pago did. I knew he wasn't exactly a saint, but I'm still shocked by the things he did. And I'm also sorry for doubting you earlier on. The Paternity test that was done then was pretty convincing, but given the fact that you both are brothers, it is understandable."
"No problem, if I were in your shoes, I would doubt me too. It's all so crazy, I'm still trying to get used to the idea. Even when I had believed she was mine, I never thought it was this crazy."
"Yea, right."
"So when will I be free from this shackle?" Siji asked, pointing at the drip.
Kalu laughed before replying. "In few minutes."
"I don't need it anymore, I feel okay now."
"Just be patient. It'd soon finish. By the way, your grandma is here and she's been giving us all hell, especially Chief. I don't envy him right now."
"I don't blame her, it's about three decades of pent-up fury. Can I see her?"
"Of course, as it is, the nurses are having a hard time keeping her away. If you'd excuse me, I've got other things to handle. I'll ask a nurse to show her in." Kalu said as he began to leave.
"Thanks doc."
"You're welcome buddy. Oh! Lest I forget, Teju sends her love. She would be here, but she's so heavy now, that I had to force her to stay home."
"Thank her for me. And congratulations in advance."
"Safe your congratulations until after the baby comes." Kalu laughed as he left the room and closed the door behind him.

                                 ☆☆☆

Ma'ami walked in moments later, sat on the chair by his bedside and looked at him hard, while he smiled sheepishly at her. He had hoped his smile would work this time as it most often than not did.
"I'm sorry." He said, when he saw that she was not smiling back.
"You should be." She scolded him. "Don't you ever lie to me again Adesiji. I knew my dream was right. You could have gotten yourself killed. What were you thinking?"
Then without giving him a chance to defend himself , she started fussing all over him. "Hope you're okay? They said they had to take alot of blood from you."
"Yes Ma'ami, but I'm okay now, just a little bit weak."
"I brought some agbo for you, but they would not allow me bring it in. Ignorant people. They don't know the importance of local herbs." She scoffed. Siji could only smile at her.
"Don't worry Ma'ami, I can always take them later."
"Of course, you would. It will give you back all the blood they took from you."
"It was for my daughter you know? The blood they took."
"Yes, they told me everything." She said solemnly, then added, "and what a lovely kid she is. Thank God she made it."
"Yes."
"And her mum? I never knew you had eyes for beauty." She teased.
Siji laughed, but changed the topic. "Let's talk about her grandfather. You didn't tell me my father's name because you knew I'd figure out who he is, right?" Ma'ami went silent for too long for Siji.
"Ma'ami?" He prompted.
"I didn't want you running to him. I didn't want you to have anything to do with him, he is such an evil man."
"He is my father."
"He killed my daughter."
"She was my mother too Ma'ami. I understand your grievance. But it won't be fair to blame him only for my mum's death. He walked away and abandoned us, but he did not exactly kill her. You should try to forgive him and move on." He continued when she remained silent. "And I can still understand why you didn't tell me when I was a boy, but you should have told me when I became a man."
"I know I should have, and I actually planned to, I just could not bring myself up to it yet. I am sorry my son."
"It's okay Ma'ami, we should be grateful it did not turn out bad."

                              ☆☆☆

He stood by the opened door, watching both of them sleep. His daughter lying on the hospital bed, in a hospital gown that was a bit oversized, and her mother, seated on the chair by the bed propping her head on the edge of the bed. He did not know how long he had been standing, but his weak body soon began protesting. He entered the room and closed the door behind him.
The sound of the closed door roused Ese, she smiled when she saw him. She stood and approached him. She hugged him tight, then curled her hands behind his neck, pulling it down as she stood on tip toe to merge his lips with hers. It had been the craziest 30 hours of her life. She had thought she would lose the two people she cared for most and she was so glad it was all over and they were alright. She couldn't stop the tears that flowed down her eyes. Siji placed his hands at the small of her back and returned her kiss tasting her tears. He pulled back after a while and smiled down at her.
"I'd wish for this to continue, but I'm afraid my strength would fail me." He said.
"Oh! I'm sorry." She said as she made him sit on the chair. She sat on the edge of the bed.
"You shouldn't be, and you shouldn't be crying either. Everything is alright now."
"I know, it's just.... it's just that I can't stop the tears."
He reached out and wiped the tears on her cheeks, then he looked intently at her.
"I want to make this right. I want us to get married as soon as possible, as soon as your divorce is finalized. That shouldn't take long now, should it?"
"No, it wouldn't." She shook her head.
"I want to claim you and my daughter as mine." She nodded, smiling at him.
"And maybe we should start thinking of giving her a younger one."
"Now you're being impatient." She protested, but the smile never left her face.
"I have been patient for too long. Eight years. Even Family Planning experts would agree with me that that's more than enough time to space one's kids."
About the Author

 Soji Adeola Ayanleke was born about 3 decades ago in Kano.
He studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he speaks Yoruba and Hausa fluently and he is trying to learn Igbo and Spanish. His hobbies are reading, writing and playing some indoor games.

ENVY 55

Siji had never driven that fast in his life. He was normally a very careful driver, obeying all the traffic rules in the book. But the fear he was feeling was his driving force, driving him to break all the rules he had always stuck to religiously. Nothing mattered aside saving his daughter's life. Seated beside him in the Jeep was Victor, holding a faint Rose in his arms. The man looked ten years older, Siji noted when he took his eyes off the road for a second to cast a quick glance at them. He wondered how he looked himself, if the fear he saw in Victor's eyes was a reflection of the fear in his.
Rose opened her eyes slightly and looked up at Victor. "Grandpa, am I about to die?" She asked.
"No! You are not dying, nobody is dying." Siji shouted as if scolding her for even thinking about death. His outburst earned him a stern look from Victor who then turned to Rose and said in a surprisingly calm voice. "You're not going to die my dear, we are taking you to Uncle Kalu."
"Uncle Kalu?"
"Yes, he is a good doctor, he'll take good care of you. Now be a good girl and stay quiet but hang on, don't let go, you'll be fine."
The girl managed a faint smile then closed her eyes again.
Victor held the cloth against her side, where the bullet had hit her. The polo which Siji had pulled off to stop her blood flow was fully soaked.
"She is losing lots of blood." Siji said, worried.
"She will be alright son. Don't let her hear your fear, we've got to be strong for her." Being called son by this man was strange to Siji. Regardless of whatever Pago had revealed, only Jasper called him that, only him had the right to. But it was not the time to dwell on that. He had a daughter to save.
Victor adjusted her on his laps a little, and unbuttoned his shirt. He removed the soaked polo, dropped it on the floor of the vehicle and examined the bleeding wound. He silently prayed it was not infected. Then he placed his shirt over it.
"Damn it" Siji swore.
"What's it?"
"A checkpoint ahead. These people are going to delay us and we don't have all the time...."
"Just cool down and slowdown." Victor interrupted.
They saw a team of Mobile Policemen when they got to the checkpoint. Siji stopped the vehicle but still stayed on the highway. Victor wound the window down to speak to the policeman waving at them to stop. The policeman recognized Victor instantly and seemed to be surprised to see him, more so in just a singlet. "Chief?" He said questioningly as he regarded Siji who was also in his singlet.
"Please my granddaughter here has been shot, we need to get her to the Teaching Hospital fast." Victor pleaded and the policeman stepped back without asking any question and signalled to his colleague to clear the road.
"Thank you." Victor said to him as Siji accelerated. They had not travelled for ten minutes, when they heard a siren blaring behind them. "What do they want again?" Siji said as he looked through the rear view mirror and saw the police vehicle from the checkpoint gaining on them.
"Just keep going." Victor said.
The vehicle soon caught up with them and the policeman whom Victor had spoken to earlier shouted from the vehicle while waving at them. "Follow us Chief,  we'll clear the way for you." The vehicle overtook and got in front of them, then accelerated further. Siji realised, as he struggled to catch up with the speeding police vehicle, that he hitherto had not been speeding.

                              ☆☆☆

Kalu alongside the medical team was already waiting for the convoy when it arrived the hospital. A nurse gently took the girl from Victor and placed her on a stretcher and she was wheeled into the Emergency Unit, while Kalu barked out orders as he examined her "Is her bed prepped up? Find the radiologist on duty, get the theatre ready immediately and contact the anesthesiologist too, right away. We may have to operate soon. And someone should please contact the blood bank and ask for O-, I pray they have it this time. The patient seems to have lost too much blood. This is an emergency." Victor and Siji followed closely. Rose was wheeled into a room, but Victor and Siji were stopped by a nurse from entering.
"You both will have to wait here please." She said politely before closing the glass door behind her. They could still see through the transparent door, and watched as Rose was lifted off the stretcher unto a bed that was fitted with several medical equipment. Siji winced as he watched a nurse pierced her arm with a needle and as another nurse inserted Oxygen tubes into her nostrils. The last thing he saw before the same nurse who had stopped them from entering pulled the screen to block his view, was Kalu removing the shirt to examine her wound.

                            ☆☆☆

30 minutes later, Ese rushed into the waiting room. She had wanted to come with them, but they had asked her to come along with Siji's car.
"How far? " She asked both of them when she got close.
"Kalu and his team have been in there for more than half an hour, yet we've gotten nothing. All everyone of them keeps doing is rushing in and out of the room" Siji replied, pointing in frustration, at the room where Rose was being treated.
"What about Kalu? Has he come out? Have you been able to talk to him?"
"No, Kalu hasn't been out since he got in." Victor said.
Just on cue Kalu walked out of the room and approached them. He tried giving them a reassuring smile, but they could all see the worry lines on his forehead.
"Please tell me everything is alright Kalu." Ese pleaded.
Kalu took a deep breath before replying. "Thank God you brought her early enough, we might have lost her if it had taken you longer. She is stabilized now, but we need to operate. Luckily the bullet missed her organs, but it is still lodged inside her, we have to get it out as soon as possible before it does further damage." He paused a bit, then continued. "The bad news is, she has lost too much blood, and I don't think she has enough blood in her to survive an operation."
"But you've requested for blood, haven't you? I heard you instructing someone to contact the blood bank." Victor said
"Yes, the problem is that Rose's blood type is O negative, I got to know from the several tests that were conducted on her when she was born."
"And?" Ese prodded for him to continue.
"Because of its compatibility with all other blood types, O negative is usually in short supply. At present we don't have it at the hospital. It's not in our blood bank. And we have also asked from hospitals around. None of them have either. The closest hospital with it is the one in Ibadan, that's too far. I don't think we have that much time, but I have asked them to send it all the same. All we have to do now is pray and hope for the best."
"Take mine." Siji said with urgency.
"How do you..."
"I am O negative." He reached into his pocket to take his wallet, then he removed his driver's license and showed it to them. "See, I'm O negative."
"Siji we can't just take your blood and give it to her like that, It's not tested, and we don't have the time to start testing your blood. We need a blood from the lab that is tested to be free from any ailment or..."
"I don't smoke, I don't drink, I am sure I don't have any terminal disease."
"You don't seem to understand what...."
"Oh God! Kalu, I said take my blood. What other choice do you have here?"
Kalu was deep in thoughts. He knew Siji was right, he had no other choice. But it's wrong to just give a child an untested and untrusted blood. It may cause irreparable damages to her. He was torn between sticking to the ethics of his profession or taking a risk to help his friends. He soon decided on what to do. "In that case I'll require her parent to sign a document allowing the use of your blood." He said turning to Ese for her permission.
"Damn it!" Siji said in exasperation, "I am her father, and I will sign anything . Just save my daughter's life."
Ese who had been trying to reach a decision, turned to look at Siji. ----Oh no! Not again.--- She thought. ---Atleast not in the presence of these people--- but she was momentarily speechless. It was Kalu who spoke. "Siji you must be mistaken if you believe...."
"She is his daughter Kalu." Victor said, causing Ese to turn to him in surprise
"But... but ..that's impossible." Kalu protested. "The paternity test result shows..."
"It's possible if Siji and Pago are brothers. Am I right doctor?"
"Yes...I ...I guess so." Kalu replied, stunned.
"I know you two are confused, I'll explain in time, but we have a child to save here and I believe my vote should count as her grandfather. Kalu use Siji's blood."
"Ese?" Kalu still wanted the permission of the stunned and speechless Ese.
"Use it." She spoke eventually
"There is an issue still." The doctor said
"What again?" Siji was becoming pissed with the doctor.
"We'll be needing at least 4 pints of blood, it could be more, but 4 pints is a safe guess. That's too much blood to take from you. You might not survive it."
About the Author

 Soji Adeola Ayanleke was born about 3 decades ago in Kano.
He studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he speaks Yoruba and Hausa fluently and he is trying to learn Igbo and Spanish. His hobbies are reading, writing and playing some indoor games.

ENVY 54

How do you plan on getting away with killing  both of us?" Siji asked. "You already have one murder hanging on your neck. I'd  advise you to turn yourself in, than add to your crimes."
"And let you two go free? Nice try, but you will have to come up with something more convincing." Pago scoffed.
"Your mother would be turning in her grave for the beast you've turned into." Victor said.
Pago acted as though he was giving his father's words a thought before saying. "You're right Dad. I know mum would be disappointed in me, but I also think she'd understand. What am doing is partly for her. You didn't only cheat on her whilst she was being good wife to you, you also wanted to cheat her children off what is rightfully theirs. I'm doing this for Mum, Fela and Sike."
"No matter how hard you try Pago, you cannot justify your actions. You are doing it for you and you alone. You are too selfish to think of others in your actions."
"Believe what you will Dad, it won't save either of you. Like I said earlier,  at times a man gotta do what he gotta do. You two are the only ones standing in my way to getting what I want."
"I don't care one inch about whatever your father has Pago. I am here only for Rose, just give her to me and you won't hear from me again." Siji said.
"I wish I could believe you, I really do, but as long as you are alive, you're a potential threat. And it's always wise to eliminate threats. I simply can't let you live. Don't worry about Rose, I'll continue to treat her as my own. She'll be well taken care of."
At that point Siji knew Pago had made up his mind and nothing could change  it,  their only hope was to delay him while praying Ese and her friend got there on time. He felt the rope tying his hands to the back of the chair and discovered that he could still wriggle his hands a little bit. Pago had not tightened the knots well enough because he had been holding the gun. Siji started working on the ropes surreptitiously while he tried to buy more time for them.
"Tell me please, how do you plan to explain two dead bodies, both shot? The authorities will suspect foul play and everything might soon be traced to you."
Pago smiled self-confidently. "I won't be killing you both with this gun. I plan to set this house on fire with you in it."
Siji's heart skipped a bit, he cast a furtive look at Victor, and could noticed the sweat forming on the older man's temple. He was putting on a brave face, but Siji could tell he was scared too. Their survival depended only on how long they could keep Pago talking, but Victor seemed to have gone dumb. Siji tried to push his fear aside as he smiled up at Pago. "The police are still gonna ask questions. Two men found burnt in a building in the middle of nowhere is bound to raise eyebrows, don't you think?"
"You give the police too much credit my friend."
"The ropes. They will notice the ropes and know we were tied up."
"You must think I'm a fool. The fire will handle the rope. Nothing better to destroy evidence than fire."
"Not entirely, if they look well, which I'm sure they would, they will notice the burnt ropes."
Siji thought he had struck a chord when Pago shouted "No one will be looking nowhere." But then he smiled almost immediately and said. "After leaving here, I'll report Daddy missing and name you as the suspect. I will inform the authorities that he confided in me that you've been calling him, claiming to be his son and threatening to make him pay for what he did to your mum. So when they eventually find the burnt building and your bodies, they'd have their answers. You had eventually tracked him down while he was holidaying in his country home, and though no one can exactly say what happened,  the theory will be that things got out of hand and you both ended up dead. In a country where countless murder cases go unsolved, you'll agree with me that that is a plausible answer."
Siji knew that their time was about to be up, he didn't know about Victor but he was not ready to die, not yet, not when he had just discovered he really did have a child. He worked on the rope more desperately, his fingers straining to loosen the knots but he seemed to be having little success with it. He still needed time, he had to say something, anything, just to gain more time.
"You have a brilliant plan to cover your tracks Pago, but your mind seems to have skipped something. Ese."
"What about her?"
"She knows you kidnapped Rose, others do too, her parents, Kalu, and Teju."
"I guess the fear of your imminent death is affecting your sense of reason. What's wrong with a father taking his daughter out on a picnic. I'd only apologize for the trouble I caused by not informing my wife. They will understand, it won't be out of character for me. They always think I'm crazy anyway. And given that my wife had been hiding my daughter from me, it's something I'd do."
"But Ese knows I came here to get Rose."
"Don't worry your pretty head about Ese." Pago said sarcastically. "I'll take care of her, she could not come out and defend you back in school, why do you think she will now. And even if she did, it'd be my word against hers. And who do you think would be believed? Her, whose lover died while killing her father in-law, or me, the poor rich husband who had just lost his dad?"
Siji could not find anything more to say but he kept on with the rope, he would be damned if he gave up so easily.
"I'll just go get Rose upstairs and we'll be on our way." Pago said as he rushed up the stairs.
Siji used the opportunity to forcefully wriggle his hands from the rope, Victor kept quiet still. Siji had just finished loosening himself when a disoriented Pago rushed down the stairs calling "Rose? Rose?" And searching the living room. Siji quickly hid his hands behind the chair but the confused Pago was not looking towards him.
Pago could not understand how Rose could have disappeared. He had thought the drug he gave her was enough to keep her in bed for long. After searching the living room and not finding her, he remembered he had not checked the other rooms upstairs so he made for the stairs again.
Siji knew it was his opportunity to act, it'd be easier to attack Pago while he was still confused. So as Pago started climbing the stairs the second time, he charged at him. Pago felt him coming but it was too late, he felt the punch on his face just as he turned, then Siji's full weight hit him. They both lost balance and fell, tumbling down the stairs.

                            ☆☆☆

Ese was out of breath when they finally saw the building. She could not match Fatima's fast strides and she had had to jog a few times to catch up with her.
"Now that we've seen the house, can we please take a breather." She begged
"You may." Fatima replied but kept on walking.
"I said we not I."
"I heard what you said, but in my experience, arriving late at times may prove fatal. You never can tell the difference a few minutes or even seconds can make."
It was as if her words energized Ese. The thought of Rose in danger gave strength to her weakening limbs and she quickened her steps.
They saw the three vehicles when they got to the cottage.
"This Jeep belongs to my father in-law." Ese whispered even though she could see no one. Everywhere was quiet
"Were you aware he'd be here?"
"No, he is the last person I was expecting to see here. That's Siji's car, he's here. Let's check inside." Ese said as she went towards the entrance but Fatima stopped her.
"That's too obvious . Let's get in through a less obvious entrance. There should be one behind the building." They both went round the building. They soon found a backdoor but it was locked from inside. There was a window with louvres just beside the door. Fatima gently and quietly removed one of the louvres, she then took a knife from her side and cut a round hole on the net covering the window. Then she passed her hand through the hole to unlatch the door from inside. As the door opened, she smiled at Ese and said. "Always be prepared." Then returned the knife back. The door opened into the kitchen. Immediately they entered the kitchen, they heard people struggling from the room next door, then they heard a gunshot, then another, and another.
"Stay here." Fatima commanded an already trembling Ese. Then she pulled out her gun, opened the door and entered the room with her weapon raised . Ese followed her. In the dinning they could see Pago and Siji wrestling on the floor. Pago had the gun and was shooting indiscriminately while Siji held on to his wrist with one hand in his attempt to wrest the gun from him. Tied to the chair, in the middle of the room was a fear strickened Victor.
"Police!" Fatima shouted pointing her gun at both of them on the floor. Siji looked up, and Pago used the opportunity to kick him in the tummy to get him off him. Pago stood up still holding the gun, while Siji held on to his tummy on the floor .
"Drop the gun Mr. Adebantu and raise your hands above your head." Fatima ordered but Pago was not listening. He knew his game was up but he was determined to take Siji along with him. He aimed the gun at Siji.
"Mr. Adebantu I'd be forced to shoot you if you don't drop your weapon now." Fatima warned but her voice sounded as a distant cry to his ears. He placed his finger on the trigger and pulled. But his finger was not moving, he tried again, but he couldn't. That was when he felt it, the sharp pain on his arm. He looked at his arm and saw the blood flowing down his arm. The lady police had shot him, his arm dropped and the gun fell off his hand to the floor.
Fatima approached then handcuffed him while saying. "Don't worry sir, it's a clean shot. It only went through your flesh. You'd be fine but you still need medical attention."
Ese had closed her eyes as she heard the blast, and she had opened it expecting to see Siji writhing in his blood. She knew Fatima had no bullet in her gun and was just bluffing. So when she opened her eyes to see Pago bloodied arm instead, she had been surprised. She speechlessly watched Fatima handcuffed Pago, then rushed to Siji's side to help him up.
"But you said you had not bullet in that thing." She said to her friend accusingly.
"I lied. You looked as if you'd have a fit, so I had to lie." Fatima answered as she loosened the rope binding Victor.
Ese gave her a look of gratitude then turned to Siji and asked. "Hope you're alright? "
"I'm fine, but we need to find Rose. I think she snuck out of where Pago kept her."
"So you are yet to see her?" Ese asked, disturbed. Then she turned to Pago and asked. "Where have you kept my daughter?" She pounced on him when he did not reply her, hitting and scratching his face with her nails. It took an effort for Siji to pull her back.
"Attacking him wouldn't help, Ese, he doesn't know where she is either. He was looking for her a while ago."
"Look, there, under the stairs." Victor said in alarm.
They could all see the blood flowing from under the stairs. Then Ese saw her bare feet, then the school uniform.
"Rose!" She and Siji screamed in unison as they both ran to the stairs

About the Author

 Soji Adeola Ayanleke was born about 3 decades ago in Kano.
He studied Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, he speaks Yoruba and Hausa fluently and he is trying to learn Igbo and Spanish. His hobbies are reading, writing and playing some indoor games.