ENVY 53

Victor and Siji looked at each other speculatively, and then at Pago as though he had developed a pair of horns. Pago was having a fun time.
"Don't worry that Fela and Sike are not here, I am representing the legitimate children. And Siji can as well represent all your bastards, in case you have more than one."
"What in God's name are you talking about?" Siji asked.
"I am saying that this man seated here, beside you, is your father. Our father. We are brothers, you and I. Isn't that interesting? No wonder we have always loved each other so much." He said with a tinge of sarcasm, then continued. "We even shared stuffs remember? Notes, clothes, shoes, and.."  He paused a bit for effect, before saying. "Women." He watched Siji strain against the rope in annoyance and he smiled. "Even though I didn't know then that we were brothers, I felt the connection, and hence,  was always the better brother. I was the one acting brotherly, wanting to share everything I had with you. You shouldn't blame me for what happened with Ese, afterall you had your chance with Stella and didn't take it. I was a true brother."
"Yea, a true brother that set me up to be expelled from school."
"That was because you put me in an impossible situation. But even then I warned you, gave you a brotherly advice, but you would not listen. You see, at times a man just have to do some things to survive, it doesn't mean he is proud of it. But it just have to be done. Our father here will understand. He had done many of such things. Like when he abandoned your mum while she was still pregnant with you, just to save his marriage."
"Pago I really don't understand what you're talking about."
"Don't try denying it Dad. Sam told me everything."
"Sam?" Victor's shoulder slumped.
"Yea, your loyal employee wasn't as loyal as you thought. Well, I wouldn't say that. He was loyal, but his loyalty was tested when he saw the injustice in your actions. He was torn between obeying you and protecting my dead mum's interests. He thought it was wrong of you to be looking for an illegitimate child to pass over everything to after mum helped you build your business empire. And I strongly agree with him.
"That was not why I was looking for...."
"Will you stop lying? You were not going to let me or Fela or Sike take over the company, you were looking for him to hand everything over to. But Sam knew what was right. So he lied to you about not finding your lovely Tumuninu and her mum, then he came to me to tell me about it. Imagine how surprised I was when I discovered that Siji here was my brother."
"Tumininu isn't dead?" Victor could not stop himself, he wanted to know.
"Sam did not lie to you about that. She died giving birth to him. Sorry dad." He said with mock sympathy, then added. "But Sam found her mother, Siji's Ma'ami."
Victor looked at Siji again, this time with some level of interest, longingly. Could this young man be his son, the one he had sired with Tumininu? He started seeing the resemblance that he hitherto had not seen. Siji suddenly  became uneasy with the way the older man was looking at him with eyes full of emotions. It was all crazy to him. He and Pago could not be brothers.
"I don't know what you both are talking about, but I'm sure your Sam had gotten the wrong person. I can't be brothers with this crook. Besides, I know my father....I....I know his name and it is not Victor, it's Segun."
"Was that what your grandmother told you?" Victor asked. When Siji would not answer, he said. "You see, your grandma had issues pronouncing English names, so Tumininu thought it wise to give her the Yoruba version of my name. She used to call me Olusegun."
"This reunion is so touching, but I am afraid there are more serious things to be done." Pago was saying but the men were not listening to him, there were both deep in thoughts.
"Sam why?" Victor asked no one in particular after a short while.
"You won't have to worry about Sam anymore, too bad the old sissy got jittery and wanted to spill the beans. The Authorities would have found his body by now."
"You killed Sam?" Victor asked in shock
Pago nodded solemnly. "I didn't want to, it was not part of my plans. But like I said, at times a man gotta do what he gotta do."
"You bastard." Victor growled.
"Aren't we mixing things up in here? That's the bastard seated beside you."
"How do you intend getting out of your crimes?" Siji asked.
"Oh! I have a plan. I will share it with both of you if you'd for a moment keep your mouths shut."
"But why Pago?" Victor asked. "Why do you have to get Rose involved in all these. If you have some scores to settle with both of us here. There are better ways to do it than kidnapping your own daughter."
"My daughter?" He smiled derisively. "Rose isn't mine."
The bombshell hit Victor so hard that he became short of what to say. "But...but...but...."
"I know, the genotype test and all. They actually didn't lie, but I had always known something was wrong somewhere. I admit the tests results got me confused at the beginning and I had to actually carry out several of them myself to be sure and they all came out the same. The thing is, I had a vasectomy a long time ago, shortly after I entered the University, so there was no way I could have fathered a child."
"Jesus!" Victor breathed out.
"You remember Charity Dad? From high school? The Reverend's daughter who claimed I knocked her up?" He asked, then continued without waiting for a reply. "I promised myself then that no woman would ever come that close to affecting my life. So when the genotype results came, I was shocked. I had to go back to check if a mistake had been made during my operation, and it was confirmed that everything was intact. I actually thought a miracle had happened and since marriage and fatherhood suited my plans then, I was glad for the miracle. Not until I found out about Siji did I know what really happened. Siji and Ese were lovers in school. So Rose is not my daughter, but she is still your granddaughter, your bastard granddaughter." He said laughing, then he said to Siji. "Congratulations bro. So you finally did it with Ese? I never knew. You had me totally fooled."
"Damn you." Siji hissed. He did not know if he should be glad or saddened by what he had just heard. He had lost out in the formative years of his daughter, no thanks to Pago.
"Waoh! I understand bro, so I am not going to take it personal. It's too much revelation for a man to handle. Even for the intelligent Siji. But don't worry. I'll soon take you out of your obvious mysteries, both of you. You are taking the revelations to your graves. You both are not gonna leave here alive.

                              ☆☆☆

Rose stayed curled up under the stairs and listened to the adults talk their adults' talk. She felt guilty that she was eavesdropping. Her mummy had warned her severally not to eavesdrop on adults, but what could she do? It was not like she was doing it intentionally. It was not her fault that they were talking so loud, it was not her fault that she was under the stairs either. Her crazy daddy had brought her to this house. She thought of leaving the stairs and rushing back to the room were she had been. But no sooner had the idea came, than she ditched it, for fear that her crazy daddy would see her and tie her up too. She had no other choice than to stay where she was and hear all what they were saying. She could not understand all what they were saying anyway, they were talking adults' talk and one does not understand adults' talk unless one is an adult. But the little she could understand from their discussion was confusing her. How can Daddy and Uncle Siji be brothers? They don't even know each other. She could still understand if Uncle Kalu and Daddy were brothers, atleast they are close and Daddy had never tied him up like this. She could understand why Daddy tied Grandpa up, they never really liked each other. Now who is Tumininu and Ma'ami and Sam and all those other people, and why is Grandpa saying Daddy killed Sam? Had Daddy actually kidnapped her? And the talk about bastards. Who is the bastard among the three of them? Is it Grandpa or Daddy or Uncle Siji? She knew 'bastard' was a bad word. Hadn't her aunty in school punished Sunny for calling Rachael a bastard? She decided that Daddy must be the bastard, since he was the one tying people up and hitting them with guns. Now Daddy just spoke a big word. Vasectomy? Whatever that is? Where is her Mummy? If Mummy were around she would have asked her of the meaning. She mentally noted the word, she would ask Mummy later. She caught her breath as she heard Daddy say. "Rose is not my daughter." She automatically stopped listening, in shock. She also stopped thinking, all she kept on repeating in her mind was "Rose is not my daughter."
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 52

The sound made by the weapon was deafening. Siji could still hear it re-echo in his ears moments after the shot. Aside from his ears, the whole of his body seemed to be on a shutdown. He stood at the same spot, transfixed. For a moment he actually thought he had been hit; that maybe the numbness he felt was a prelude to the pain to come and his eventual death. Pago's laughter shook him out of the state he was in. He searched his body to check for any wound, there was none. Pago had shot the ceiling, shattering the chandelier.
"You thought I had shot you?" Pago asked, still laughing as he got on his feet. "Wouldn't that be too easy dear friend? Even though you deserved the bullet, killing you now would mean letting you off easily. It'd spoil the fun, and I don't want that. Will you please pick a seat for yourself and go seat beside Daddy overthere." He added, waving the pistol at Siji. Siji did as he was told, and Pago with the gun still pointed at his friend bent to pick a rope from under the dinning table.
He approached Siji and said. "Now I'd have loved to do this while you're knocked out or too weak to fight, but you've given me no choice. I still have to tie you to the seat though. Be a good boy and don't try anything funny while I tie you. I may be using both hands to tie you up, but trust me, the gun is not far away. And I promise if you make me shoot this time, I won't miss again. Understood?" Siji nodded. As he started tying him, he continued. "And don't worry about the noise attracting unwanted guests. Thanks to our old man here, this building is sound proof. So it's just me, you, and him."
"Where is Rose?" Siji asked.
"You are not in a position to ask questions my brother."
"You said...."
"I know what I said. But a man can change his mind, can't he?"
When he was done tying him up, he smiled down at him and said. "Pardon me for what I'm about to do now but I strongly believe in revenge." He then hit him hard on his face with the gun, breaking his nose. Siji saw stars and thought he would pass out. He could taste the blood trickling down his nose.
"Good." Pago said. "Now that we are even, we can start our meeting." He walked over to Victor. "Since this is a meeting, it won't be fair to leave one of us dumb." He pulled off the tape over his father's mouth not too gently that Victor had to let out a cry. He got a seat for himself and sat down, facing both of them.
"Now, this is a family meeting of a man....." He said, pointing the gun carelessly at Victor. "..,his legitimate children......" He touched his chest. "...., and his bastards." He finished, pointing at Siji.

                              ☆☆☆

The loud noise woke Rose up. She still felt somewhat tired, but she was fully awake this time. She sat up on the bed and looked round at her surroundings. She had thought she was dreaming the few times she had slightly woken up during the night to find herself in a strange environment. But she could clearly see the room now, and it was still alien to her. She wondered where her daddy was. She knew he had brought her there.
"Daddy." She called out but her voice sounded weak and cracky. She called out again and again and started to panic when she got no reply. She got off the bed and walked to the door. She heard voices from downstairs immediately she opened the door. She could  hear someone ask "Where is Rose?". It sounded like Uncle Siji, and she was relieved.
---Mummy will be downstairs too.--- She thought to herself.
"I am here." She replied but they did not hear her. She gently walked down the steps. She stopped when she got to the bottom of the staircase. The dinning room was right in front of the stairs, so she could see it clearly. She could see Grandpa tied to a chair. She could also see Daddy tying Uncle Siji up. She was about to ask what was happening when she saw the gun in Daddy's hand, then she watched in horror  as Daddy hit Uncle Siji on the face with the gun. She instinctively covered her mouth with her hand and rushed under the stairs to hide. She knew her daddy could be crazy at times, but she had never seen him with a gun. She curled up under the stairs and prayed to God to save them from her crazy daddy.

                               ☆☆☆

"I think this is it. The plantation in the description." Ese said as Fatima got off the highway.
"We'll need to find a safe place to park this car." Fatima said
"Park the car? We are not there yet. The house is still ahead, after the plantation."
"I know, we'll walk the remaining distance."
"Are you serious? The way I see it, it's  a long way from here."
"We'd have to endure it."
"Why do you want us to ditch the vehicle anyway?"
"Because a sound of an approaching vehicle could spook anyone. You don't want us announcing our arrival, do you?"
"Okay, I get your point. But someone can still see us walking through the plantation."
"Yea, but it's a safer risk. We will make less noise on foot and we would also be able to use the trees for cover if the need arises. Now will you help me find a place to park this vehicle?"
They soon found a shade by the plantation and parked. Ese's eyes widened when she saw Fatima take a gun from her purse and fixed it in the holster hanging by the side of her jeans.
"You have a gun!" She said in alarm.
"Of course I do. I am a cop. Is that not why you asked for my help?"
"Yes....but.....but.... is it loaded?"
Fatima laughed and said. "Of course not. The bullets are in the bag. I am taking the gun because I may need it. I have noticed that, with my size, men take me more seriously when they see me carrying a gun." She covered the side arm with her top when they got out of the vehicle. She locked the vehicle and threw the key to Ese, then both women walked into the plantation
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 51

Victor parked the vehicle  in front of the cottage. Pago, and whoever was with him, must have heard the sound of his car, he thought. He killed the engine  but did not take the key off the ignition. He would not be there for long. He would only be there long enough to talk some sense into his son and get his granddaughter. He stepped out of the Jeep and hurried towards the building's entrance. The door gave way as he held the handle.  The living room was empty, or so he thought because at that moment he heard a sound behind  him and turned. Then he saw it. It moved like a flash and it was too late for him to duck. The flying rod connected  with his temple and knocked him out.

                               ☆☆☆

"Fatima, can you please speed up a little bit." Ese said again.
"Ese, I am going at 140, that's too fast considering the condition of the road." Fatima said calmly as though she was talking to an obstinate teenager."
The vehicle was going too slow for Ese, even at that speed, they were yet to get to Lagos and she feared to think of the heavy traffic they might have to face in Lagos. Good thing she was not the one handling the wheels, she was sure she would have at best wrecked the car. She looked at her new friend and gave a short prayer of thanksgiving that they had met when they did. Despite herself, her lips curled in a smile as she thought of how they met.
"Why are you smiling?" Fatima asked.
"I was just thinking of how I offered to help you beat up your husband's bosses. Little did we know that I'd  be the one asking for your help with my husband."
Fatima laughed. "And to think that the man I thought was your husband, isn't really your husband."
"I'm sorry I made you believe that. I should have corrected you, but it was just so convenient then."
"Hmmm, I hate to pry but my training and instincts tell me there is more to what your are letting on. This is just more than a male friend offering to help you get your child from your estranged hubby."
"Yea, the three of us got history. A long and not too nice one. I will tell you everything  in time, right now I just pray history doesn't repeat itself."
"Don't worry dear. All will be well. Your hubby is a public figure, I don't think he'd try something stupid. Have faith"
"I have faith but I have learnt not to underestimate Pago. It'd help a great deal if you don't either. It also worries me that I'm yet to hear from Siji. He was supposed  to inform me when he gets there, but he hasn't yet."
"Maybe he hasn't gotten there."
"I try to tell myself that but I don't believe it. He left Ife a long time ago. Before I called you."
"Have you tried reaching him?"
"His phone is switched off."
"When was the last time you heard from him?"
"When he sent the last batch of the description to me, just before I joined you."
"Don't worry Ese, it'll be well." Fatima said as she parted her hand to reassure her.
"Thank you so much Fatima, thanks for helping.
"It's nothing my dear, it's nothing. "

                                ☆☆☆

Siji missed his way a few times in the palm tree plantation before he found the path. Though he had the direction on his phone, the plantation was like a maze that one could easily get lost in. Finally he got to the cottage. As he stepped out of his car he noticed the vehicle parked in the makeshift garrage. He had only seen the Jeep as he drove in. The other vehicle meant Pago was not alone, and that was bad news. He had been hoping he had no accomplice. Taking on Pago alone on his turf was bad enough.
But for the sound made by the sea breeze, everywhere was quiet. He stood by his car for what seemed like an eternity, looking at the entrance of the cottage. The instruction was for him to enter the cottage, but he tarried for he did not know what awaited him inside, neither was he keen on finding  out. He soon made his mind up and approached  the building courteously. The door gave way immediately he placed his hand on its handle. He was ushered into  what seemed like a dimly lit large living room. The only source of light was the fire burning in the fireplace. He walked further into the room as his eyes adjusted to the dimness. He could see no one, just a back pack on the sofa and surmised  that someone had been there recently. Then he heard it. He would  have easily  missed it if he had not been listening, for it was muffled. He followed  the sound to what must be the dinning room. It was in a corner and out of view from the living room. What Siji saw stopped him in his tracks. The dinning table and chairs were cleared to one side of the dinning, but that was not the surprise. Seated in the middle of the room and tied to one of the chairs was Chief Adebantu. Siji had never met him in person, but thanks to the media, he could easily tell he was the one. The Chief was not only tied to the chair, his mouth was taped. The chief  was trying  to talk, but all that came out were muffled sounds. Siji's first instinct was to loose the middle-aged man, but as he approached him, the man shook his head apparently telling him not to free him. Siji was a bit confused. The Chief looked straight at him with wide eyes, then shifted his gaze to somewhere behind him and raised his head slightly. Siji got the message and looked back just in time to see Pago, with eyes blazing with malice, swung a metal rod at him. The speed with which the rod was coming at him was so great that it barely missed  him when he quickly moved away. Before Siji could  react, Pago swung the rod again and this time Siji was not as lucky. The excruciating  pain in the arm where the rod had hit him was almost unbearable but he dared not dwell on the pain, for he could see the rod coming again. This time, he was ready for it, he streched out his hand and caught it. The impact the rod had on his palm made him winced but he did not let go. He held one end of the rod with both hands and tried to wrest it from Pago who was holding the other end, but Pago also had a firm grip on it and he seemed to match him strength for strength. He pulled to draw Pago a bit closer to him. Then with all the strength he could muster, he kicked, aiming for the crotch. He knew he had hit his target well and hard when Pago cried out and let go of the rod, holding on to his crotch with both hands instead. Not giving him time to recover, Siji hit his lower jaw real hard with his fist and sent him flying and landing on his back. He watched the groaning Pago sprawled on the floor. He could see blood streaming down his nostrils. Siji himself was breathing hard. He took awhile to steady his breath before saying. "If you want to fight, you fight like a man, it's only sissies that lay ambush. But knowing you for who you are, I'm not surprised."
He walked up to where Pago was lying on his right hand, in pain. "Let me help you up." He said, stretching out his hand.
"Give me your hand." He added when Pago did not move. Pago slowly pulled his hand from behind and Siji's eyes widened in fear as his saw what he had in his hand.
Pago raised the gun and pulled the trigger.

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 50

Rose! Rose!" She heard her mum calling from afar. She needed to get up to prepare for school but she felt so fatigued that opening her eyes was a great effort. She managed to open them though, but she still could not move her limbs. It was as if a great weight was placed on her. She needed to go to the bathroom to brush her teeth and take her bath, lest Mummy be mad at her. She did not want Mummy to be mad at her, but there was nothing she could do. The room was dimly lit. She moved her head and looked round. Her school bag was not where she normally kept it. In its place was a huge shelf. She could not see her shoes either. Nothing seemed right, even the bed felt harder than she remembered. She panicked when she noticed that she was not in her room. She opened her mouth, trying to call out but no word came out. She wondered where she was and how she got there. Then she remembered. She was with Daddy, he had come to get her at school. She relaxed and slipped back into oblivion.

                          ★★★

She woke up shivering. The dream had been so real. She sat up and put on the bedside lamp. She looked at the wall clock facing her just above the bedroom door. It was 7am, but was still somewhat dark outside. The Sun seemed to be taking its time to rise. She sat there on the bed for several minutes, wondering if it was just an ordinary dream.
---Maybe it's because I have not seen him in a long while, and my heart is longing for him --- She reasoned. But she could just not convince herself that that was the case. She believed so much in her dreams, especially when they looked so real like the one she just had. Could it be  a premonition that something bad was about to happen to her dear Siji? She had to talk to him. She found her phone beside the Yoruba Bible on her bedside drawer. She had had little difficulty learning to operate the device when Siji had first gotten it for her. But with his patient tutelage, she had learnt to at least make and receive calls.
"Ma'ami. Ekaro ma." He greeted when he picked the call.
"Kare omo mi, se da'ada laji? Hope you are well?"
"Beni ma. Hope all is well?"
"I had a dream."
Siji could barely suppress the laughter. "You called me because you had a dream?"
"Stop being silly. It's not an ordinary dream. It was so real and you were hurt in it. Are you planning to do something bad? Something that might hurt you?"
He was silent for too long that she had to prod. "Siji? Is there something you need to tell me?"
"No Ma'ami, I am not planning on doing anything bad and I'm not about to get hurt." He answered, evasively.
Her deep sigh told him that she was not convinced. He had to reassure her.
"Ma'ami it's just a dream, it's nothing you should worry about. Nothing bad is going to happen to me."
"Please promise me that you'll be careful."
"I promise I will be."
"Okay, take care of yourself. Odabo."
"Okay ma, Odabo."
She laid down and stared at the ceiling after the call. She still was not satisfied. His response had not been convincing enough, but she had decided not to push. Maybe her warning would suffice, or maybe not. Before she could stop herself, she picked the phone again and dialed the Professor's number. Maybe the good Prof would help her talk to him. He was like a father to Siji and he respected him. It took a while, but a sleepy voice soon said. "Hello Mama. Ekaro."
"Ekaro profeso. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep."
"Rara ma. It's nothing. Se kosi? Hope all is well?"
"Ko ma ba si nani. It's your son Siji."
"Anything wrong with him?" He asked, concerned."
"I had a dream this morning about him getting hurt badly."
"A dream?"
"Yes, I just called him now. I strongly believe something is wrong but he wouldn't tell me what it is. Can you please help me talk to........"
"Mama eni suru nan. Calm down." Jasper interrupted her, then went on to lecture her about dreams not being reliable and hence, should not be trusted. He told her her imaginations were probably running wild because she missed Siji. He promised to advise him to pay her a visit. She thanked him and ended the call. All he had said did not make her feel any better.
---That is the problem with people who had read too many books. They do not take things like this serious--- She thought.
She had asked for help, and had ended up being lectured. There was nothing she could do now but pray. She reached for her Bible and opened it to the 91st Psalm.

                             ★★★

Siji switched his phone off after talking to Ma'ami. He wondered as he drove the Lagos-Ibadan express road if Ma'ami's dream was more than a coincidence. It was too late to second guess his decision since he was already on his way and even a little bit behind schedule. He must get to Badagry on time lest Pago would think they were stalling. And who knows what the crazy guy might do?
He had thought of telling Jasper about it, but he had reasoned that it would not in anyway help his situation. If nothing, it would make the Prof worry about him, and he did not want that. That was why he had put his phone off after speaking with Ma'ami and assuring her he was fine. He did not want either of them worrying about him.
"It's a trap Siji." Ese had repeatedly told him. But they had no choice but to go along with Pago's instruction. She had also said he did not have to help her, that he needed not get involved to help her get her daughter. But he had grown so attached to the young girl that he would do whatever he could to help. One other reason - which he was yet to admit even to himself- was that he secretly relished the thought of a face-off with Pago again. He had started thinking about jettisoning his quest for vengeance, but Pago had just given him a reason to face him. It's just unfortunate that, like always, Pago was at the advantaged position. Trust his friend never to fight fair. He needed to be careful because he did not know what Pago had planned. Despite their own plans, he still believed they would need a great deal of luck to be able to outsmart Pago. The fact that they do not know if he was alone or had accomplices, did not help. As he drove into Lagos, he prayed Ese's new friend would come through.

                             ★★★

Victor cursed as he ran into another pothole. He was speeding and it was to late to slow down when he saw the pothole. The hole was so deep and wide that the Jeep shock absorbing mechanism could not save him from the impact as the Jeep ran into and bounced out of it. His knee and shoulders ached seriously. The road linking Lagos to Badagry was not one of the best in the country and he had been driving for more than an hour. He could not remember when last he drove. Normally he would be seated at the back while his driver did the job. But it was not a normal situation and the order had been explicit enough. "Come alone, tell no one."
He had only decided to play along because he hated unpleasant surprises, and he had been unpleasantly surprised once too many by his unruly son. It was time he put a stop to all the craziness.
He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the signpost welcoming him to Badagry.
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 49

He parked the car in front of the bungalow and rushed in without killing the engine. He needed to get in and get out fast and as quietly as possible. He needed to erase every trace that he had been there. He reasoned that the bungalow would be the first place the authorities would visit when they found Sam's body and he wanted to be as far away from the building as possible. He looked at the sitting room critically when he entered, the furniture were neatly arranged, there was nothing to suggest that Sam had had a visitor, he had nothing to worry about there. He went into the room where they had laid Rose. She was still fast asleep. She did not wake up as he lifted her not too gently and placed her over his shoulder. The tiny tablet of diazepam he had dissolved into the yoghurt he bought for her, seemed to be working just fine. She had slept throughout the journey from Ife and she was still sound asleep. He glanced round the sitting room one last time before he closed the door behind him.
He laid the girl on the backseat of the vehicle. As he backed the car off the curb  and drove through the road he tried to think of his next line of action. He had had everything well thought out before going to Ife and so far everything had worked as planned except for the unexpected business with Sam. He regretted that he had to kill Sam, but the old fool had not given him a choice. He could not afford to let anyone stay in his way, else all would be lost.
"No, I can't let that happen." He said into the night.
Sam had been a part of his plan. Now that he was out of the picture, he would have to think of something else, and fast. But first he needed to find a place to stay. Moving about with the girl was not wise. He also needed to make the long overdue calls. Sam had slowed things down a bit but he still had everything under control. Going to a hotel was out of the question, it would not suit his plans. He needed somewhere, quiet and private. Then it hit him. The house in Badagry. It would perfectly suit his plans. He took a quick glance at his wristwatch, it was some minutes to midnight. The traffic would be light, he should be able to make Badagry in one hour even in the rain. He did not worry about the few police checkpoints on the highway, he had his wallet with him, but more importantly, he was an Adebantu.
 
                            ★★★

It had stopped raining by the time Pago got to the cottage. The cottage was built in the middle of a 2 acre property. The land was not fenced. It was by the coast, and bordered by the Atlantic on one side and On the other side by a plantation of palm trees. It was a quiet and desolate land. Victor had bought the property because he had thought it peaceful. Doyin had loved it too and the family had visited often while she was alive. After her death, the rate at which they visited had gradually dropped. Pago had not stepped on the property in years, so It had taken him an effort to get the road path leading to it through the plantation. He parked the vehicle under a  makeshift garage that was made with palm fronds and bamboo, and walked to the cottage. He needed to check it out first before bringing Rose in. He knew someone from the village nearby usually came to clean it up once or twice a month and he hoped the person would stay away for the next couple of days. He checked underneath the flower vase in front of the door and was pleasantly surprised when he found the key there. He had feared that the key's location would have been changed and that he would have to break in. He opened the door and was suddenly hit with nostalgia as he stepped into the living room. Everything was as he remembered. He could almost see his mum coming down the stairs. He had had some of his best childhood memories in this building and for a moment he started regretting what he planned to do to it. He pushed his regrets away and hardened his heart. He could not afford to be sentimental. What needed to be done must be done, there was a lot at stake. He looked round, then climbed the stairs to check the rooms upstairs. When he was satisfied that everything was okay, he went to get Rose and took her to one of the rooms, then he went back to the car to take the few belongings he had with him. He dropped a few new SIM cards and his phone on the table in the living room as he laid on the couch exhausted. He needed to rest. He would need to be clear headed by dawn when he planned to make the calls.

                            ★★★

Ese had a restless night. She had not wanted to go to bed at all but Siji had prevailed upon her and she had gone into the bedroom while he had stayed in the living room. Despite the sleeping pills he had made her take, she had still woken up a few times during the night. The pills could not completely numb her worries. She could not wait to get off the bed when it was dawn even though she felt so weak and all her body was aching. The thought of Rose was enough to trigger her adrenalin. She said a silent prayer for her daughter's safety and for better luck in finding her than they had the previous day. The time on her bedside clock was some minutes to five. She got off the bed and began walking to the bathroom. At that instant her phone started ringing. She could not afford to ignore any call so she went to the side of her bed where she had dropped the phone. The number calling was not one she had stored. She picked it.
"Hello."
"Hello love, trust you had a lovely night." The voice at the other end said.
She immediately forgot about going to the bathroom when she heard his voice, and headed for the sitting room instead.
"Pago?"
"Yes baby."
"We....I have been trying to reach you since yesterday."
He laughed. "That's quite funny, considering how you've tried to stay away for the past two months."
Siji was just walking out of her kitchen when she entered the sitting room. She beckoned on him and put the phone on speaker.
"......I must have something you need dearly, or should I say someone." Pago was saying.
"Is Rose with you?" Ese asked.
"Is lover boy with you?" He countered.
"Lover boy?" She repeated
"Now, don't play smart with me love. You have quite a smart daughter you know, she was all about Uncle Siji this, Uncle Siji that. I was forced to shut her up at some point."
"Shut her up?"
"Don't worry, she is fine. I didn't harm her, not yet."
"Not yet?" Siji could not stop himself from asking.
"I knew it, I knew lover boy was with you. Hello amigo, it's been a long while and I've missed you so." They could hear the mockery in his voice.
"I can't say the feeling is the same over here." Siji said calmly, trying to rein in his temper.
"Ohoh, you still hold a grudge after all these years? Come off it bro. I was thinking we both should grab a cup of coffee someday and reminisce on those good old days."
"I have nothing to reminisce on with you."
"Now, isn't that too bad. Anyways, I understand. You've always been a spoilsport. I wonder why I ever thought you'd change."  They could hear him chuckle. Siji had had enough
"Cut the crap Pago. You had better not let anything happen to the child, or else...."
"Or else what ? I always tell you Siji that you don't always know when to make threats. You are not in a position to make threats. I hold the bargaining chip here."
"Pago this is crazy, Rose is your daughter. If you want to punish me for whatever reason, don't use Rose please." Ese begged.
"I'm sorry baby, but I got no choice here, it has to be her. You love her, the old man loves her, I'm sure Siji loves her, everyone loves her."
"Except you?" Ese asked in a shaky voice.
"Well, let's just say I ain't everyone." Pago replied, then added. "She is the only one that can get me what I want."
"You bastard. We shouldn't be listening to you, we should..... " Siji started growling in annoyance but Ese interrupted him.
"What do you want Pago?"
"I'll tell you what I want if lover boy would keep his mouth shut."
"Siji please." Ese pleaded
"Okay Pago, let's hear what you want." Siji said in a resigned tone.
"Good. I believe you haven't reported this to the authorities."
"No, your father wouldn't allow us." Ese answered
"I thought as much. Y'all are so predictable. It should stay that way, no police, no authorities."
"Okay, what else?" Siji asked.
"Then you -lover boy- are gonna make a trip. We'll be having that cup of coffee after all."
"A trip to where?"
"Don't be in a hurry dear friend, I can't wait to see you too. I will send the details via a text message to you shortly. Don't bother to contact me, I will destroy this SIM immediately I drop the call. I will contact you. I have all your numbers. Ese, If lover boy cooperates and everything goes well, he will be coming back to you with Rose. Remember, Siji alone makes the trip, and tell no one about it, not even my dad. Okay?"
"Yea." Siji agreed.
"Good, that's all for now till you hear from me again."
Long after Pago ended the call, they were both still standing in the living room, saying nothing.

                            ★★★

Immediately he ended the call, he switched the phone off, took out the SIM, and threw it into the fireplace he had lit up earlier. He took another SIM and inserted it into the phone. He had another call to make.

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 48

"The tire of the vehicle busted on our way here." Pago said.
"That doesn't answer my question."
Pago continued as if he had not heard Sam "It's just two streets from here. There is a spare tire in the car but no jack. We need to go get it. I can't leave it there over the night. It's hired."
"Will you please forget about the car for now and tell me what all of these is about?" Sam was getting impatient.
"All of what?"
"For starters, where did you find her?" Sam asked, pointing to the room Rose was sleeping in.
"I walked out on the old man." Pago said instead, stalling. He didn't know how he was going to convince Sam yet again to go with him on this.
"Yea, I know. Damn! Everyone in the company now knows. He demoted you for keeping your divorce from him and you walked out."
"How fast rumour travels, it's only about a week now."
"Yea, but what has that got to do with Rose here?"
"Everything."
"I wouldn't mind if you'd explain this to me. Where is her mum?"
"Busy having a good time with an old friend."
"Old friend?"
"Siji."
"The same Siji?"
"Yea, the investigator I hired came through at last. He found her in Ife with Siji."
"But how did...."
"Remember, I lost a contract with the university?"
"Yes."
"Siji's company got it. He stole the contract from me. I have always wondered about the relatively unknown company that got the contract. Now I understand."
"What about Ese? What's she doing there?"
"She teaches at the university now."
"But I still don't understand why they came together."
"They used to be lovers, when we were in school."
Sam gave a short laugh. "Oh! I see. Interesting, it's too good to be a coincidence then."
"Of course it isn't. They both had it planned out. I promise I'd make them both regret messing with me."
"And the girl, how does she come into this? Is her mother aware she's with you?"
"She is the bait, they should be looking for her by now."
Sam could not believe his ears. "You mean you took her without her mum's consent?"
Pago smiled instead of replying.
"That's kidnapping you know? You kidnapped your own daughter. Are you out of your mind?"
"You of all people know that's not true."
"This is insane. What do you plan to do next?"
"You don't have to know everything, just trust me on this. All will be fine. Everyone will get what they deserve. My dad, Siji, and Ese. And when I get my company back, you'll be up there with me. I appreciate what you've done, but there is more to be done in order to get what rightfully belongs to me."
"This is getting out of hand Pago, I will advise you to leave things as they are. Take the girl back and we can find other ways to settle this."
"Other ways? Just listen to yourself. The only way is the way we've taken, there is no going back."
"I'm sorry Pago, but I can't continue with this thing."
"Then I will do it on my own. You'll be sorry when everything comes through."
"I can't let you go ahead with it either."
Pago chuckled in disbelief. "How do you plan to stop me? Will you tie me down?"
"I plan to go to your father in the morning and....."
Pago's laugh interrupted Sam before he could finish his statement. "You know you can be funny at times Sam." Pago said when he finally found his voice after laughing. "For a man smart enough to be entrusted with the security of the company, you baffle me at times. What are you going to tell him when you get there? You're culpable too. Are you gonna confess your sins while you are at it?"
"I will take my chances with him."
"You know one doesn't take chances with him, he is vindictive. He'll make sure you pay direly for betraying him."
"It will still be better compared to this insanity, I only agreed to go along with you because I believed you were been unfairly treated. But I can't partake in hurting someone else, neither can I stand by and allow you do it."
They were both silent for a long while as Pago seemed to ponder. When he realised there was no way he could convince Sam to support him, he capitulated.
"Alright, what will you have me do now?" He asked Sam.
"You call Ese now and tell her that the girl is with you and you are bringing her back tomorrow. You can tell her you are sorry, that you only needed to spend some time with your daughter. Even if she has reported it to the authorities, she will tell them all is well now. We will find a way to handle your father, you are his son, he will forgive you."
"What about you? Will he forgive you?"
"Don't worry about me, let's make the call now."
Pago dipped his hand in his pocket but couldn't find his phone. "Shit,  I must have left my phone in the car."
"Where did you say the vehicle is?"
"Two streets from here."
"Okay, let's go then. It isn't too late."
"We'll need a jack to change its tire."
"No problem, we'll take mine along."
                          
                             ★★★

"I don't know why you're agreeing to this nonsense." Siji said in annoyance as he gave her the glass of water and tablets of aspirin "it's not his daughter that has been kidnapped."
Ese took time to swallow both tablets one after the other before replying him. "No, but she is his granddaughter." She said in a voice that has become hoarse from shouting and crying.
"Pardon me, but I have to say I think he cares more about his name and reputation than his granddaughter. And I can understand that, I very much can. Most men do not become that rich and powerful by retaining their conscience and heart. So I very much understand his stance. What I don't get is you and your parents agreeing to it. He doesn't want you to inform the authorities that his rich, spoilt son might have kidnapped his own daughter, just because he wants to avoid a scandal and you guys are agreeing to his selfish..............and........and....self-centered request ."
Ese was looking at him as he talked, walking up and down her sitting room, and she was glad for his presence. She didn't know how she would have survived the day if he had not been there. He had been beside her ever since he rushed down to meet her at the school's gate. He had parked his car inside the school and drove her home in her car, then stayed by her while she  called her parents and Pago's dad to inform them. 
Everyone of them have been trying unsuccessfully to reach Pago ever since. He was determined to remain unreachable it seemed.
"I cannot imagine Pago hurting Rose for whatever reason." Ese said.
Siji could imagine it but he thought it wise to keep quiet.
Her phone started ringing again. It was Kalu this time, she gave the phone to Siji.
"Hello Kalu, it's Siji."
"Hi Siji, how is she?"
"She is holding up good. Any news?"
"No one has been able to reach him, I have contacted all our mutual friends, none of them knows where he might be. They tried his lines too, same result as us, all off."
"Thanks Kalu." He said.
Ese knew before he shook his head that it wasn't the good news she had been expecting.

                                ★★★

Pago had parked the vehicle at a secluded place. It was approaching midnight when they got to it. It began to drizzle as they started working. By the time they were through, it was raining heavily.
"Lemme get the umbrella. " Pago said as he dropped the tools they used in the car trunk and went to the driver's side.
Sam carried the bad tired to the trunk and tried to fit it into it's position. It was dark and he could not see what he was doing clearly.
"Please bring the umbrella fast am getting drenched, I need a flashlight too. Is there one in the car Pago? He shouted in order to be heard because the rain and thunder were drowning his voice. He was bent into the trunk so he did not notice Pago when he came behind him to aim the semi-automatic at him.
"Pago, Pago can you hear me?" He asked, then straightened to look around the vehicle, but he could not see Pago. Then he turned and staggered against the vehicle when he saw what Pago was holding.
Pago could see the shock and fear in Sam's eyes before he pulled the trigger, aiming for the chest. The sound made by the weapon was swallowed up by that of the angry thunder. His eyes still wide open in shock, Sam held the wound made by the bullet on his chest as his huge frame first fell against the car trunk, then to the muddy ground.

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 46

January, 2013

"Mummy Uncle Siji is on the phone." Rose, appearing by the bedroom door in her school uniform, and holding a phone, said.
Ese took her phone off her ear for a few  seconds to say "Tell him I'll call him back, and go finish up your breakfast."
She resumed her conversation as she closed the door behind the girl. "As I was saying, my mum wouldn't let me rest throughout our stay in Benin, it was bad enough that they could not reach me throughout Christmas, but Pago's dad's phone call to my dad made her more upset. That was why I was reluctant about spending the new year in Benin, I knew she'd be on my neck, she........."
"Was that Siji calling?" Teju interrupted her.
"Yes."
"Hasn't he gotten you into enough trouble yet? Teju said jokingly, then continued. "I'm sure your mum would have a fit if she finds out he was the one that took you out on Christmas day." Ese could hear her friend laugh and she joined in. "Mind yourself ooo Teju."
"But on a serious note Ese, I am kinda uncomfortable with you dating him, I know you're leaving Pago and all, but the timing isn't just right."
"We aren't dating Teju, we're.........were are just old friends......it's purely platonic."
"Go tell that to the marines. I don't think even you believe what you just said. For starters, you guys aren't old friends, you were lovers. And I don't think he would settle for platonic, given that you'll soon be available. Is he in a relationship?"
"No..... I.....I really don't know."
"He isn't, if he is, you'd know."
"Teju I...."
"My worry is the history he has with Pago, the history the three of you share. Both of them are arch rivals, there is no love lost between them and you always get entangled in their game of wits. The last time wasn't funny for you, you know."
"Teju you're overreacting here, I......."
"I can't just help but think, Siji only wants you because Pago has you.......because.........because he wants to spite Pago, to get even."
"But Pago doesn't even have me now."
"Just promise me that you'll be careful Ese."
"I will, thanks for your concern." Then in an urgent need to change the topic, she said. "How is the baby doing?"
"He is good."
"And you?"
"I feel like an elephant, Kalu's people are so happy it's a boy, you need to see how my mother In-law treats me with care."
"You know his people have a thing for male kids."
"I do, but even with the care and all, I still can't wait for the couple of months remaining."
"Hold tight, it'll soon be over."

                          ★★★

He picked the call immediately it started ringing. "Hello."
"Hi, I was on call on the other phone."
"Yes, Rose told me you were talking to Teju. How's she and Kalu?"
"They are both fine."
"I called to check if you arrived safely, I couldn't reach you last night."
"Yea, both phones were down. We ran into an holdup caused by a serious accident. We spent four more hours on the road."
"Ohoh! Well, thank God you are back safely. I gotta go now, have an appointment this morning."
"Okay."
"Can I see you this night?"
"Yes, you can come over, have dinner with us."
"That would be great, thanks, see you in the evening then."
"See you in the evening."
                    
                          ★★★

It was the first day of resumption, so they took their time since Rose could afford to be late.
"Is Uncle Siji your boyfriend?" Rose asked as her mum drove her to school.
"Boyfriend?" Ese was taken aback by the question. "What are you saying?"
"Sophie said her mother's boyfriend will soon become her new daddy."
Ese gave a loud sigh. ---Thank God there is no Sophie in this new school---
"It's time you forgot everything Sophie told you about her mother."
"Will Uncle Siji be my new daddy? Will I start calling him daddy?" The girl asked as if she didn't hear her mum.
"Nobody is becoming your new daddy and Siji is just a friend. Understood?" The little girl nodded and remained silent till they got to her school's gate. but her questions got Ese thinking if her decision to invite Siji for dinner was a wise one.

                         ★★★

Pago parked the car in front of the school gate and waited. The red Toyota Camry was not his. It was hired, so he was not worried about being recognised. The investigator had done a thorough job, Pago had all the information he needed. He had been enraged when he learnt Siji owned the company he had lost the University contract to. Siji had cheated him off a contract, he would not allow him to go with his family as an additional trophy. He reached under the driver's seat and pulled out the 9mm calibre semi-automatic and admired it one more time. When a foreign business associate of his had given him the handgun as a present, he had never thought he would one day use it, so he had locked it up in his safe at the office. But the pistol was the first thing that came to his mind after he had finished reading the investigator's note. His initial plan was to track Siji down and blow his head off and he had really relished the idea. But after given it more thoughts, he had changed his mind. It would be too easy. He wanted Siji to suffer, he wanted them both to suffer. He was sure Siji still loved Ese, Siji was not the kind to fall out of love easily. He would hurt him by hurting her. By the time he was through with them both, they would both wish they had not messed with him. He returned the weapon back, it was not yet time to use it, but the time would come, soon. He waited.

                           ★★★

The kids soon started coming out some minutes after he heard the closing bell ringing. He got out of the car and walked to the gate. It took him awhile, but he soon saw her standing under a tree, talking to some other kids. She is the one person Ese loved with everything she had, the one sure way to hurt Ese real bad. He called out to her waving. Her face lit up as she saw him and she ran to him.
"Daddy! Daddy!"
He lifted her up when she got close.
"How are you doing my girl?"
"I'm fine, I've missed you daddy."
"I have missed you too my baby."
"Have you seen Mummy?"
"Yes, she asked me to pick you up."
"Are you staying?"
"Yes, what will you like to take? Daddy wants to take you out for a treat before we join Mummy."
"Anything nice."
"Okay, I know where to get just that."
With her in his arms, he walked to the car

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.