*****
Tiwa banged the door very loud, entered her room and dived on her bed. She was beginning
to regret honoring his invitation. An angel must have touched her for her to agree
and lived with him, she thought. She would have remained adamant to stay at a
hotel. It would have been more convenient and drama free. Even if she had
stayed somewhere apart from his house, there was no way to avoid conflict. She
sighed, took her phone beside her and glanced through it. She had missed calls
from her parents, a colleague and a female friend. She was not in the mood to
talk with anyone else but choose to dial only her mom’s number. She missed
hearing her voice.
“Good evening
mum,” Tiwa said after she picked the call.
“I have been
so worried,” Mrs. Bankole said. “Why were you not picking your calls?”
“I was not
with my phone. I am fine.”
“Thank God
for that. I really miss you.” Her voice was low.
“I miss you
too.” She said and smiled. “I wish I was with you right now. Are you okay?”
“I’m doing
alright. Why did you ask?”
“I don’t
really like the way you are sounding.”
“There is
nothing to worry about my daughter. I hope you have settled with Mr. Adebiyi
Gold?”
“Settled or quarrel
all the time. I can never be friends with him, never!”
Her mother
shut her eyes and thought about the condition of her health. She was terrified
that if she kicked the bucket, her precious daughter would likely be alone. Her
father would not be able to fill the gap, and her son had left without saying
goodbye. She prayed and wished Temidayo would respond and be emotional to
attend her funeral when death finally knocked on her door.
“Hello,”
Tiwa said. “You are not saying anything.”
She quickly
wiped the tears about to leap out from her eyes. “You need someone Tiwatope.”
“Someone?”
she asked in a puzzled tone. “What do you mean?”
“I love you
so much and I want the best for you. You are not getting any younger and….”
“There you
go again. I don’t want the marriage talk.”
“Even if you
are not ready to get married, try and be open so that men will come your way. You
are very beautiful and unique. I know you went to Abuja for something important
but try to create time and make new friends. You can also get close to Mr. Gold.”
She frowned.
“If Mr. Gold is the last man on earth, I will never date him. He is a chronic
womanizer!”
“I am not
saying you must be intimate with him, just get close to him. I believe he is
nice.”
“You forgot
to mention an inconsiderate and bigheaded bastard! If you are going to continue
to talk about him, I have to end this call.”
“You need to
take things easy.”
“How is
father?” Tiwa asked.
“He is in
the living room watching news.”
“Send my
regards. Take good care of yourself and goodnight.”
Mrs. Banks
heaved a long sigh. “Goodnight Tiwatope.”
She ended
the call and tossed her phone gently on the bed. She felt a bit relaxed after
speaking with her mother but she doesn’t quite understand the tone of her
mother. Something changed and she hoped it was for the better.
*****
“Is Tiwa not
yet awake?” Adebiyi asked the next morning at the dining table. It was him,
Popoola seated, and already eating breakfast. There were having fried plantain,
scrambled eggs, sausages and hot coffee.
Mimi stood beside him and answered, “I have
not gone to call her?”
“Must you
call her before she knows this is the right time to eat in the morning?”
“I think she
has the right to eat whenever she likes.” Popoola stated.
“Let me
check up on her.” Mimi said in a quick tone and moved speedily to knock on Tiwa’s
door.
“Come in.”
Tiwa said without asking the name of the person. She knew Mimi has been the one
checking up on her.
She entered
and greeted her. “My boss wants you downstairs. Breakfast is served.”
Dressed
casually, she smiled and told her she would join them in few minutes. Mimi left
her, went to report and departed to her room. Few seconds later, she joined the
men.
“Good
morning Miss. Tiwa. How was your night?”
“Splendid.
And yours?”
“Good.”
She turned
to look at Adebiyi. He was eating. His eyes were concentrated on his food.
There was nothing like a smile or beam on his face. “Good morning to you.”
He stopped
to eat, glanced at her and turned his back to see if there was anyone standing
behind him. “Are you talking to me?”
“It’s just
the three of us here.” She said puzzled.
“Morning. I
thought you would never speak to me because of what happened last night.”
She
chuckled. “What happened last night?”
His eyebrows
heaved upwards. “Have you forgotten so soon? We had an argument and it involved
you, Esther and me. I hope you remember her?”
She laughed.
“Oh! You call that an argument? I think you have a short memory. You simply
made a fool of yourself yesterday.”
The fork on Adebiyi’s
right hand fell on his plate. His mouth was widely opened.
Mr. Popoola fought
hard not to laugh but he had no clue when he exploded into a brutal laughter.
Tiwa had a
huge smile on her lips and stared at her meal. She began to eat.
Adebiyi had
no words to describe how he felt. He took his napkin, wiped his mouth and rose.
“Are you not
eating again?” Popoola asked after cracking his ribs.
He gazed at
him angrily. “I have lost my appetite!” He said and walked away.
Popoola said
to Tiwa. “You won today.”
“Thank you.”
She said and chewed some eggs. “I love what I am eating. The chef really knows
how to cook. I will have to commend his skills.”
“You have
not seen anything yet. He cooks our African dishes so well. It is rare to see a
Ghanaian prepare all kinds of Nigerian food.”
“I will talk
to him later in the kitchen.”
“He’s not
around.”
“Where did
he go to?”
“He went to
the market.”
“Again?”
Tiwa asked in a surprised tone. “I thought he went yesterday.”
“Yes he did.
Asante goes to the market five times in a week. That’s Monday to Friday. Immediately
he serves breakfast, he leaves to buy foodstuffs to prepare for lunch and dinner.”
“That is in
insane. Why the long process when there are two deep freezers in the house. Foodstuffs
should be bought in bulk and stored in the fridge.”
“Adebiyi
Gold loves fresh food. He doesn’t like the idea of storing foodstuffs inside
freezers for days or weeks.”
“That’s
because he is not the one in Asante’s shoes. He is stressing the chef.”
“I think he
enjoys what he is doing. My friend pays him well.”
“What about
weekends?”
“Adebiyi
order from his favorite restaurant or we go there and eat.”
“Oh, I see.
Too much money.”
“I think you
should eat and meet Adebiyi to talk about the case. He told me there is no lead
on the case.”
“No.” Tiwa
replied and drank her coffee.
“My only
advice is for you to be careful. He is a
man and capable of taking good care of himself.”
She gave him
a look. “Meaning women are the weaker sex?”
Popoola
looked at her inquisitively. “Everybody knows that.”
“No, not
everybody. Men and women are equal. Are you telling me all men are strong and
capable of defending themselves when troubles come? If Adebiyi is skillful of
taking good care of himself, why can’t I?”
“I am sorry
if I upset you.”
“No you did
not. I am only trying to correct your statement.”
“Whatever
you say,” he said and smiled. “I am not the arguing type.”
Tiwa smiled
back. “I thought so. Why are you here? Don’t you have family?”
Two of them
were almost through with their food. He briefly narrated about his late wife
and two kids.
“I am sorry
about your wife’s death. The rate at which breast cancer kills is alarming. I
don’t wish such for my enemy.”
“Thank you.
It was a terrible experience but I am happy that she gave me two amazing
children.”
“Are you not
going to remarry?”
“No woman
can take my late wife’s place in my heart. I am not thinking about that. For
now, I will continue to be a good father to my children, be a friend and also a
brother to Adebiyi.”
“But for how
long?”
“I don’t
know. I would have died if not for Adebiyi. He came at the right time to rescue
me from giving up on life.”
After they
were through with their food, Donald came from the kitchen to take tidy up the
table. Tiwa had no idea Donald was looking straight at her until she made eye
contact, he hastily took off his eyes and left. She wondered why the look, it
was the second time she saw him staring at her. She never thought it meant
something the first day she came but now, she was having a rethink and planned
to inquire personal details about him.
Both of them
ported to the living room and sat down.
“How well do
you and Mr. Adebiyi know your employees?” She asked Popoola.
“You mean
Kelvin, Mimi, Asante and Donald?”
“Yes.”
He stared at
her direction. “Don’t tell me you are asking because of the investigation.”
She rolled
her eyes and looked back. “I would be lying if I said no.”
“I know you
are supposed to be suspicious about everyone around you because of the case. I don't think these
workers knows what is happening. You have nothing to worry about
except you have seen something that makes one of them looks like the suspect.”
“I don’t
like the way Donald stares at me. I find it creepy.”
Popoola
burst out laughing. “Remember you are the first woman to stay here for a long period.
No one knows when you would leave. You are the only woman that has never slept
in my friend’s room. I am sure he is wondering why Adebiyi overlooked such a
damsel. He might be admiring you.”
Tiwa smiled
widely. “Thank you for the compliment.”
“You are
welcome,” he said and crossed his legs.
“What about
Mimi?”
“No, no. Adebiyi
can never stoop low to sleep with his employee.”
She didn’t say
anything, rose on her feet and excused herself.
*****
Tiwa went to
the veranda and saw Adebiyi looking at his laptop. He seemed unhappy and deep
in thought. She took a plastic white chair, placed it opposite him and sat
down.
“We have to
put our differences aside and discuss about the case.”
His eyes
were still focused on the laptop. “I am listening.”
She was
curious to know what he was staring at, “What are looking at?”
This time,
he glared into her face. “I looking at the faces of the women he slaughtered.
They wanted to make a name for themselves before he killed them. He didn’t have
the right to take their lives. I am frustrated Tiwa. We are back to square
one.”
She thought
he was going to cry but no tears came out. He had sad eyes and she felt somber.
“I want to catch the murderer too and that is why I am here. I think you should
use what you have to get what you want.”
“Please
explain.”
“Offer the
agent money so that he can release the list of the girls to us.”
“I did that
after you drove me away from the dinning.”
“Without my
permission?”
“Did you ask
for mine when you questioned the maid of Mariam Yusuf?”
She shook
her head. “Is that still bothering you?”
“Let’s
forget about it. I called the agent and told him to name his price. He said he
has a conscience. He is never going to jeopardize the safety of his clients.”
“I think
they are in danger and the only solution to make sure they are safe is to speak
with them.” She said and stood up. “I can’t believe he is daft!”
“If I was in
his shoes, it would be hard for me to release the list too. Do not judge him.”
She turned
her face to look at him. “Don’t start. What do we do now?”
“I should be
the one asking you. I paid you for that.”
Tiwa
scornfully glowered at him and hissed before walking out on him. She went to
her room and saw her phone ringing. She grabbed it and pressed the green
button.
“Is it
true?!” Mrs. Bankole asked after Tiwa answered her call.
“What is
true?” Tiwa asked confused.
“Didn’t you
read today’s newspaper?”
“No. I don’t
have time for that.”
“Please do
and get back to me immediately. Check entertainment news.” Call ended.
She was
concerned with the way her mother sounded on the phone. She strolled out, to
ask Adebiyi if he bought today’s newspaper. He was already in the living room
with Popoola.
“You can
collect it from my room.” he said with a poker-faced stare and he handed over
his key.
“Why can’t
Mimi get it for me?”
“She is not
allowed to enter my room.”
“But I
thought she is the housekeeper.”
“Of course,
if you care to know, I clean my room myself. I am not lazy. I know I am
sexually active but useful when it comes to cleaning.”
“I didn’t
ask you to tell me that.”
“I know. I
know you think of me as a sex freak. You are wrong.”
“Your sex
life or how you treat women does not interest me. You actually bore me.”
Tiwa
took the key and left. She opened the door, entered and was marveled by it. It
was very beautiful. She was stunned to see the place neatly organized and
equipped with beautiful artworks.
She sighted the newspaper on his desk, rushed towards it and grabbed it. She ran out to avoid questions for wasting time in his room. She shut it, went to the living room and placed the key on the table beside him.
She sighted the newspaper on his desk, rushed towards it and grabbed it. She ran out to avoid questions for wasting time in his room. She shut it, went to the living room and placed the key on the table beside him.
“Thanks.”
She said and scanned through entertainment news. Her brother’s name caught her
eyes. After reading through it, she went to her room and called her mother. “I think
it’s a rumor.”
“How can
your brother keep this away from us? He is expecting a child!”
“I think you
read his interview. He said he is not responsible and he spent only a night
with her. She wants to be a babymama for an entertainer or she is lying to get
publicity.”
“I don’t
care! I want a grandchild.”
“So soon?”
Tiwa asked astonished.
“You and
your brother are not getting any younger. Do you want me to die without
carrying my grandchildren? This is so unfair.” She was crying silently.
“You are not
going to die and I don’t understand why you are talking like this. What is
going on mom?”
“Nothing,”
She replied and sniffed her nose. “Please, help your mother find this woman and
confirm if she is really pregnant for your brother.”
“We will
know about that in five to six months’ time.”
“I can’t
wait to find out by that time. I want to know now.”
“Alright, I
will try my best and search for her with my torchlight.”
“This is
isn’t funny!” Mrs. Bankole said and smiled. “Let me know when you find her.”
“Okay mum.
Take care.”
*****
The
following day at 10:15am, Chinaza Oke was stepping out from her two-bedroom
flat she shared with her colleague, Halima. She was planning to take a public
transport to travel to Ibadan to be with her boyfriend. Her housemate was
aware, bid her goodbye at the doorstep and closed the door. Chinaza was already
going out to search for a taxi when she remembered her phone was not with her.
She went back, collected it and strolled outside. She was holding a purse on
her left hand and a travelling with her right hand.
She was beginning
to get tired in the sun after waiting for more than five minutes. She wanted to go back
inside and persuade her friend to follow her to where she would see a taxi on
time when a black car stopped in front of her. The driver lowered down the
passenger’s window and smiled at her.
“Hello
Chinaza.” He said.
She looked closely
and tried to see if she knew him. Seconds later, she smiled back. “It’s been a
while. The last time we saw each other was at the get together. How are you?”
“I’m fine. Come in and let
me drop you.”
“Thank you
so much!” She opened the backdoor, dropped her bag there and entered the passenger’s
seat.
*****
At 8:35pm, Mr.
Poopola turned off the television after listening to the breaking news. He was not happy and also looking very angry. He could hear Tiwa and Adebiyi quarrelling. Their voices
were very loud and anyone around could hear what they were arguing about. He
ambled to where they were. They could hardly notice him and had no idea he was
standing in front of them.
“You have no
sense of humor. Your humor is dead, buried in a desert and unable to find!”
Tiwa uttered.
“Oh, please!
You think you are smarter than I am. No way! I will take you to a psychiatrist
hospital because I think there is something psychologically wrong with you. You
think with your anus!”
She laughed
mockingly. “I am sure you meant a psychologist instead of a psychiatrist!
Dumbass!!”
He pointed at her. “You are still not smart. You need the two
of them to educate you on certain things! I wonder what you learnt in school
before you became an agent. Oh, I remember, your father employed you because he
is the only one capable of condoling your insanity!”
“What about
you?” She asked in a furious tone. “I won’t be here if it wasn’t your mistake
to allow a man kill women! You do not only need prayers but deliverance!!”
“Shut up!!!”
Popoola screamed. He was fed up of Tiwa and Adebiyi’s tantrums. “What is the
matter with two of you?! Are you not tired of raising your voices at each
other?! Grow up!!”
They pointed
at each other.
He shook his
head. “Both of you are supposed to be in peace but your ego won’t let you.
Well, I have bad news and I hope this enmity ends!”
Tiwa rose on
her feet. “What bad news?”
“I hope its
not something serious.” Adebiyi asked in an anxious tone.
Mr. Popoola
sighed. “I am sorry to break the sad news. Another woman was found dead in the
evening. She was raped and her heart is missing.”
“Oh no.”
Tiwa said shocked.
Adebiyi
stayed mute for a short moment. He swallowed and asked. “What is the victim’s
name?”
“What does
her name have to do with this?” Popoola asked.
“Is the
victim Igbo?”
Popoola stared
at him surprised. “How did you know? Her name was Chinaza Oke ”
“We think
the heart-taker is going after the three major tribes in Nigeria.” Tiwa said.
“His next
target should be Hausa.” Adebiyi said and touched his forehead. “What have I
done to deserve this?”
Tiwa had no
choice but glanced at him. She already blamed him and there was no way she
could turn back her words. “Did they say how long she was missing?”
“Her friend
said she was supposed to travel today but her boyfriend has not seen her.” Popoola
answered. "Her body was found around 7pm close to where she lived."
Adebiyi
jumped on his feet. “You mean she went missing today and was also killed, raped
and disposed the same day?”
“That is
what the newscaster said. The news would be repeated in two hours’ time for an update.”
“Why change
his memo? Why did he not wait for the seventh day to commit such atrocity?”
“He doesn’t want
to keep the girls for six days and murder them on the seventh day.” Tiwa
replied. “He does not want to waste time anymore because he is angry. We have
to ask the agent if he knows the victim. The heart-taker already knows the
police are not only the ones investigating the case. He must have found out you
and I are after him.”
“We are in
big trouble.” Adebiyi said.
Tiwa said, “The
death of the new victim is a message for us to stop investigating the case but
we will never do such a thing. We are just getting started.”
*****
To be
continued….
Woooow. This is getting deeper.
ReplyDeleteCk Thanks for the update. More power to your elbows.
Thanks babe.
DeleteMay God bless you dear.
This is becominh scary
ReplyDeleteHello Dara!!
DeleteNice post... I would advice you get in touch with a foreign publisher and get this work of fiction published...
ReplyDeleteMonetize your blog with Nairapp.
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Thanks BrendaBrenda!
DeleteGoodness gracious!!!
ReplyDeleteThe killer has been terribly provoked.
My thoughts are running wild as to what's going to happen next.
Can't wait for more C.J
Thumbs up to you dear.
Thank you. Stay blessed!
DeleteDonald! Donald! I cant help but suspect him. hmmmm
ReplyDeleteLol
DeleteThumbs up
ReplyDeleteMore scary,..am so so scared right now.
ReplyDelete