******
Adebiyi was
in shock after he received the news about Mrs. Bankole. “I am very sorry sir.
Please extend my regards to her.”
“I will. Send
me the address of the hospital.”
“Okay sir.”
“I will call
you later so that I can speak with my daughter.”
“That’s not
a problem.”
After their
conversation, Adebiyi was tempted to reveal it to Tiwa, he objected because he
knew it might worsen her condition. She was still healing and needed enough
rest. He sent the address, called Samson and went outside. He sighted Popoola
driving towards the parking lot. He waived at him and he diverted to where he
was standing.
“We have to
go home.” Adebiyi told him.
“Why?”
Popoola asked surprised. “I hope there’s no problem?”
“Tiwa does
not need visitors for now.” He answered and entered into the passenger’s seat.
“Okay.”
“What about
Donald?”
“I left him
at home with Mimi.” Popoola said as he drove out of the hospital building.
“They are preparing different delicacies for Tiwa. She will have to make her
choice.”
He smiled
widely. “That’s very kind of them. Has Kelvin resumed?”
“Yes. I
called him this morning.”
“He should
have driven you. Why am I paying him?”
“Remember he
was sick.”
“So? He used
that as an opportunity not to come to work for days. Does he expect me to
pay him in full at the end of the month?”
Popoola took
his eyes from the road and glanced at Adebiyi. “You’re not happy. Can you
really tell me what is going on?” He riveted his eyes back on where he was
heading.
He took a
deep breath and shook his head. He informed him about Tiwa’s mother.
“Few weeks to live?”
He asked in a dazed tone. “Tiwa is still at the hospital and he wants to break
such news to her? Oh my God!”
“I’m just
confused. I know Tiwa loves her mother so much. She does not joke with her.”
“I know.
Just take it easy, I know it’s not going to be easy but you have to stay strong
for Tiwa. She will in eventually need a shoulder to cry on. Let’s hope things
turn around for the better.”
“I hope so.”
******
He was still
on his bed, angry with himself. He felt he should not have lost them. How could
he be so daft to turn off his ignition? How was he going to locate the hospital
she was taken to for treatment? He made a terrible mistake even before he saw them
take Tiwa away.
He had been
trailing Adebiyi. He was the only one that could lead him to Tiwa. His
informant never had the information where the heart-taker took her. He only
told him a serial killer kidnapped her.
He followed
Adebiyi and the police officers the previous night, and the moment he noticed the
killer was not in the house, he turned back and drove through the vicinity to
observe and see if he could find the murderer’s hideout.
Damon saw
the abandoned medical building and noticed two men smoking their lives out in
front of the place. He didn’t see their faces clearly because it was a bit
dark. He never thought of anything wrong until he made a turn on the left side and saw a
woman running. She had the body of Tiwa. There was no way he could get her. It
was difficult for cars to pass through the path she followed. He had an option
on how to get her. He drove in another direction that could link him up with
the road Tiwa would come out from and he did, but only for him to see those
couple took his woman away.
He left the
bed and went to peep at the window to view the atmosphere. He sighed and looked
at the wall clock. He motioned to the table and collected his phone to make a
call.
“Do you have
her location?” Damon asked after the caller picked.
“Not yet but
I will.” a male voice replied.
“Do that as
soon as you can. I don’t want that so called Mr. Gold near her.”
“I know.”
“Be fast
about it!” he said impatiently.
“You don’t
have to talk to me like that. If not for my connection, you would not have
escaped. I am doing you a favor!”
Damon
laughed aloud. “Don’t you dare speak to me with such tone! I am doing you a
favor too! You knew my coming back to get her would hurt her that was why you
offered me an opportunity to get out from that shit hole called prison! Don’t push
me!”
“I am not
afraid of you.”
“You should!
I am capable of doing anything inhuman. Send me the address of the hospital
soon. I am not a patient person!” he ended the call.
*****
Mr. Bankole
had left the hospital with his wife. They were back at home. He had called the
office and told them he won’t be coming. Mrs. Banks was looking fragile and
weary. Her eyes were a bit yellowish. She sat down weakly and watched her
husband paced around the living room.
“You have to
stop doing that,” she said to him. “I have to see Tiwa. When is she coming
home?”
He halted and
looked straight at her. “Do you have enough strength to fly on air?”
She raised
her eyebrows. “I can try but why?”
He walked to
her direction and sat beside her. “I have to tell you something but I want you
to know that Tiwa is doing alright.”
“What is
it?”
He briefly
narrated what happened.
She gazed
into his eyes with her mouth wide open. The news robbed her of telling her
husband how she felt. She was wordless to express how her heart collapsed.
“Please say
something.” he broke the silence. He was no longer comfortable.
“What do you
want me to say?”
“I didn’t
tell you because I knew how it would have affected you.”
“What if she
wasn’t found and died in the arms of a ruthless killer,” she heaved a sigh. “How
many people know about her kidnap?”
“I told my
employees.”
“They are
more important than me?”
“You know
that is not true! I wanted them to pray for her safety!”
“I don’t
even have the strength to argue with you. I want to see her.”
“You will. I
have told Mr. Gold we are coming soon. He is sorry about your condition. I told
him.”
Mrs. Bankole
rose on her feet and clasped her arms around her body. She began to shed tears.
“How do I tell my daughter I am going to die and leave her? How can cancer come
between my children and I?”
He stood and
sauntered to stand behind her. He put his hands on her shoulder. “I feel your
pain my love. I just…” his voice broke. He was powerless to talk more. Mr.
Banks sat down back, bowed his head and started to cry audibly.
She was
stunned. She turned her back, still on her feet. “Promise me you would take
care of my children.”
“We are
supposed to take care of Tiwa…. and Temidayo together. This life is so unfair!”
She burst
out laughing and at the same time crying. “You have no idea how I felt when you
mentioned his name. You are a good father and I…”
“I will look
for him.” He said and glanced at her. His face was extremely wet.
Her eyes
opened and her heart rejoiced. A wonderful feeling ran across her body.
He spoke. “I
know I have been selfish and reluctant to call him my son. I am truly sorry if
I have offended you in any way. I am ready to change and be a better father. Is
that too late?” He uplifted and moved to stand in front of her.
“No.” She
wrapped her arms around him. “I have never doubted the love you have for your
family. I cannot wait for the four of us to be together again.”
“I hope he
forgives me for what I wanted to turn him into. I thought it would have been
great if he worked with me at my agency. He is a greater where he is right now
and I am proud of him.”
She released
herself and peered into his eyes. “Do you believe he is not gay?”
He smiled
faintly and kissed her lips lightly. “I believe in unity. I love him if he is
gay or not. I love my son.”
“I can’t
wait to see him again.”
“I will do
everything I can to bring him home. I only hope he won’t turn me down.”
“No.” she
answered. “He is exactly like his mother. We forgive easily.”
Mr. Bankole
pecked her forehead. “I have been a lucky man to have you as my wife.”
*******
*******
Popoola and
Adebiyi arrived home. Donald, Mimi, and Kelvin welcomed them. His driver
explained he was terribly sick, showed him his hospital receipts to prove his innocence.
“That’s
okay.” His boss said and went into his room. He brushed, bathed and dressed
gracefully. He ate breakfast and returned the calls he had received from his
close friends, far away from him. He shared the good news to them.
“Have you
heard from Quincy Harvey?” Popoola asked.
“Yes. He
wanted to come over but his wife has given birth to a boy.”
“That’s good!
Has he been named?”
“Oh yes!
Freddie. He was named after his grandfather. It’s such a shame I was not
present on his naming ceremony. This heart-taker’s case swallowed our time. I
am very happy Tiwa is alive. This calls for celebration."
“We won’t celebrate
until Damon is captured and thrown back to prison.”
Adebiyi’s
face turned sad. “Just the mentioned of his name have spoilt my mood.”
“I am sorry
but we have to find him before he locates Tiwa.”
“That’s
true. We should get ready to visit Tiwa.” His phone rang. He knew the caller
and he answered. “Hello Mr. Tony.”
“Good
afternoon Mr. Gold. How is the agent?”
“She’s doing
well. I am very grateful for what you and your wife did. I can never forget.”
“We thank
God. There’s something we forgot to tell you at the hospital.”
“What is
it?” He told him. Adebiyi sprung on his feet. He was startled. “Are you sure
someone was following you?”
“Yes sir but
we don’t think the person was able to track us to the hospital. I just want you
to be careful. Maybe she might need protection or something.”
“Did you see
the person?”
“No but my
wife believes it was a man driving the vehicle.”
“Thank you
so much! I will call back later.” he ended the call and looked at Popoola. “We have
to go to the hospital!”
“I overhead
what he said.” he said and stood. “Do you think it is Damon?”
“It has to
be.” He called Donald, Mimi and Kelvin. They were about leaving when Samson
drove in front of the house.
“Have you
heard anything from Nkiru Danjuma?”Adebiyi asked him.
“She
informed me this morning that she would be travelling back tomorrow.”
“She’s wants
to leave this country again? He has been caught!”
“That is
what I told her but she insisted it was the best decision.”
He told
Samson to follow them. He also ordered Mimi and Donald to join Samson in his
car. Six of them were going to see Tiwa.
******
******
Tiwa had woken up, feeling very hungry. She felt better than before and the pain had
subsided. She had no phone to call Adebiyi. She wanted to eat and see him too.
She was missing him. The nurse that recognized her came to check up on her and
asked for an autograph. Tiwa found it amusing and signed on her uniform. She
thanked her for saving her life. The nurse turned on the television to keep
Tiwa busy until her lunch arrived.
After ten minutes, Tiwa was ecstatic when her door opened and she saw Adebiyi. He hugged her tightly and kissed her lips. She smiled widely as Popoola approached her for a hug. She was very happy to see her visitors. Mimi was moved to tears. She sang and prayed.
After ten minutes, Tiwa was ecstatic when her door opened and she saw Adebiyi. He hugged her tightly and kissed her lips. She smiled widely as Popoola approached her for a hug. She was very happy to see her visitors. Mimi was moved to tears. She sang and prayed.
“I am very
grateful.” Tiwa told them. Adebiyi was beside her and holding a yellow nylon. On their way coming, he
bought her favorite fruit.
“We are very
happy to see you Tiwa Banks.” Popoola said. “I don’t think you have any idea
what my friend went through.”
She looked
at Adebiyi. “I know and he was the only I kept thinking about. I think I saved
myself because I desired to be with him again.”
Adebiyi
grinned. “Thank you my darling.”
“Thank you
for loving me.”
Mimi brought
out the food for her to make her choice.
“You didn’t
have to do that!” Tiwa said in a surprised and happy tone. “The fried rice and
Chicken is more than enough.”
All of them laughed.
Mimi, Donald and Kelvin went outside after Tiwa finished eating. Adebiyi and Popoola excused themselves and requested to see the doctor in charge of Tiwa’s treatment. They didn’t want her to know about Damon.
All of them laughed.
Mimi, Donald and Kelvin went outside after Tiwa finished eating. Adebiyi and Popoola excused themselves and requested to see the doctor in charge of Tiwa’s treatment. They didn’t want her to know about Damon.
Tiwa insisted
Samson stayed with her. She spoke with him. “Do you have details about the
pregnant woman?”
He stayed
quiet for few seconds before he replied. “I thought it would be proper to tell
you what I know after the doctor discharge you.”
She laughed
lightly. “I am strong enough, okay?”
“Okay. The
woman lied about her pregnancy. It was a strategy to collect money from your
brother.”
Her face
fell. Her mother would be disappointed. “Do you know if he is Nigeria?”
“I am
unaware about that.”
“Confirm
from your sister and get back to me. I need to reach him as soon as possible.
Our mother is sick and he has to know what I have been through and is there a
way your sister can post my condition on her blog? He might see it.”
“Do you
think it’s a good idea? It will not only be your brother that would know a
lunatic kidnapped and tortured you.”
“So?”
“It’s not
everyone that would believe he only kidnapped and tortured you.”
“I don’t get
you.”
“Some would
think he slept with you.”
“You mean
rape?” She asked with her eyes widened.
“Yes ma. Don’t
give the media that opportunity to talk about you. It’s not everyone that is
happy you are the brave Tiwatope Bankole. Some would be happy to run you down. They might
even pay other bloggers to give a messier headline.”
“I need an
example.”
“Instead of
Tiwatope Bankole escapes death from the heart-taker, do not be surprised to see
Tiwatope Bankole escapes from the heart-taker after being tortured and raped.”
“What!”
“It’s the
truth. I don’t think Mr. Gold would approve of it.”
Tiwa sighed
and glanced at him. “You have made a point." She smiled. “Now I know why Adebiyi
likes you. You are valuable and don’t be surprise if I ever call for your
assistance in the future. We might officially work together someday.”
Samson
smiled brightly. “It will be an honor to work with you ma.”
******
“Are you
saying you want her transferred to another hospital?” The surprised medical
doctor asked Adebiyi and Popoola after they told him about Tiwa’s safety.
“Yes.”
Adebiyi replied him. “I think it’s for the best.”
“I can
arrange that but I can inform the security to be at alert. You can give me his
description.”
“That is
irrelevant. You can refer her to a private hospital with the best security.”
“I know two
and I believe she will be safe there but they don’t allow families to spend the
night there. You will be able to see her as from 8am to 11pm.”
“That is
more than enough as long as she is safe.” Popoola said.
The doc
shook their hands and assured them he would do it. It might take only a day or
two.
******
Later in the
evening, Adebiyi visited Asante. They sat down facing each other. Asante’s face
was still swollen and it appeared the injury wasn’t treated.
“I wonder
why you are not here with me.” Asante spoke first.
“What do you
mean by that foolish statement?” he asked in an irritated tone.
“You punched
me several times. That’s wrong! You had no right to do that to me!”
“I had every
right asshole. You tortured my girlfriend!”
He laughed
mockingly. “I enjoyed what I did to her.”
Adebiyi had
the urge to give him a hard blow but he promised Tiwa he would not do such a
thing. He was very angry. “I came here to look at you in the face and tell you
that you are a worthless prick. I will make sure you won’t be able to hurt anyone again. I will make sure all the models you planned to kill, spit and dance on
your dead body.”
“You would
do no such thing!”
“If only the
dead can see,” he said and rose. “You would see what I intend to do with your
body.”
“You have no
right!”
“I am ready
to pay any amount to feed your body to the dogs!” Adebiyi walked out on him
without listening to a word Asante aka the heart-taker uttered.
******
The next morning,
Mr. Bankole left to his office to make the announcement of his travelling to
see his daughter. It was a moment of joy to know she was alive. He put an older
agent who had been working with him for many years in charge.
“How long
will you be gone sir?” a female agent asked.
“Two or
three days.” he replied.
“Some of us
might want to visit Tiwa.” agent Chigozie said. “She is part of us and we will
like to know where she was admitted.”
He agreed
and gave them the address of the hospital.
******
Before Tiwa
parent’s boarded their flight in the evening, Adebiyi called Mr. Banks and explained
Tiwa had been transferred. They took off and landed safely at 8:15pm. Kelvin was
already waiting for them at the airport and he drove them to the hospital.
Adebiyi
welcomed them, he led the way to Tiwa’s room. With the remaining strength left
in her, Mrs. Bankole ran to embrace her daughter. She was in tears and thanking
God for everything. Tiwa was speechless to see how her mom had becoming smaller. She
had no idea when tears dripped from her eyes. Mr. Bankole broke the
news. Adebiyi had to pet Tiwa for hours. She couldn’t stop crying. Her mother
stayed by the side of her husband and wept. Adebiyi begged both of them to stop
shedding tears. It didn’t take long, before Mrs. Bankole collapsed and was admitted.
Her condition had worsened.
The doctor
broke the rules and allowed only Adebiyi to spend the night after persuasion
and a fat cheque. Kelvin took Mr. Bankole home and Popoola attended to him. A
nurse had to inject Tiwa so she would be able to sleep deeply. Adebiyi was agitated.
He made two urgent calls before he was moving from one room to the other to
check on them. He would spend one hour with Tiwa and thirty minutes with her
mother.
******
******
A tap on his
shoulder woke Adebiyi up in Tiwa’s room the following morning. He rubbed his
eyes, opened them and saw Mr. Bankole and Popoola standing beside him. Kelvin
came with them to take him home and rest.
“Tell Tiwa
why I had to leave.” Adebiyi told them.
“She will
understand.” Mr. Bankole said to him.
“Also tell
her I love her.”
“She knows.”
Popoola said and smiled. They shook hands.
Adebiyi and
Kelvin went home and after he was through, he ordered Kelvin to take him to an
important place.
******
“Why is
Adebiyi not yet back?” Tiwa asked after she waited for hours.
“I think he
is busy.” Popoola stated.
“I want to
see my mother. My father has refused to let me see my mom, he believes I might fall.”
He chuckled
a little. “Don’t worry, I will help you.” He assisted her and he took her to
Mrs. Bankole’s room. Her father seemed nervous and a bit glad to see her on her
feet. Popoola excused himself. Tiwa sat on the bed and smiled at her frail
mother.
“How are you
mom?” she asked in a concerned tone.
“I am better
seeing you here with me,” she said, counting her words. “I love you.”
“I love you
too.” Tears started to form inside her eyes. There was a knock on the door and
Adebiyi entered. Tiwa wiped her eyes and grinned.
Adebiyi greeted her father and asked her. “How are
you?” he moved closer to her.
“Good. I’m
so happy to see you.”
“I am always
happy to be around you. I know your mother’s birthday is coming up. I have an
early gift.”
Mrs. Bankole
managed to smile. “You have given me the gift I want. You make my daughter
happy.”
“Thank you
ma. I don’t think I should call this a gift anymore but a surprise.” Adebiyi
glanced at the door. “You can come in.”
Their curious
eyes travelled to the door. A male figure entered into the room. It was
Temidayo Bankole.
******
To be
continued.
Waoooh I love the suprise..Mr Gold is so good, he is really influential, but come to think of it, who is the informant .is it Donald,poopla,or some of tiwa 's colleagues, I no someone will go to the first hospital,but they will fail, please ckj don't let damon,or demon,suceedooh please mrs Bankole,you are healed ijna..lol...niceone carina j.God bless your hustle.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteAgent Chigozie is the informant. I can be sure of this one.
ReplyDeleteSeconded
DeleteUna Well done!
DeleteThis is just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank youv CKJ for always entertaining us in the best way
Xoxo!
Thanks.
DeleteCarina Been refreshing your page all day.... Will you still post episode 6 today
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for replying now. Biko... Forgive me!
DeleteInteresting.
ReplyDeleteThanks babe.
Delete