(Season 2): DEEP. Episode 5

To read the previous episode, click here

******

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.

“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.

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.