CHAPTER 2: TARASHA

'Good morning Chief' Tarasha greeted on phone.

'Good morning Tarasha' a harsh voice responded.

'Chief, have you gotten the stuff you asked me to get? I dropped it in the car parked in front of your office according to our plan'

'Yes, I've seen it' the voice answered

'You've seen it? But why haven't you called me then? You didn't keep your part of the deal'

'What deal?'

'What do you mean Chief? Didn't you say that I would get the bank alert for my balance two hours after you get the carton?'

'Yes I said that, but you broke the agreement first'

'What? How?'

'You said you would do the job without killing anybody'

'Yes, I didn't drop anyone'

'But it was all over the news yesterday, all the labourers at the warehouse were found dead yesterday'

'That wasn't me, that happened in the afternoon. I carried out the job around 3am'

'How am I supposed to believe that you really did the job by 3am?'

'What the hell are you talking about Chief?' Tarasha flared up. 'I see you don't want to keep to your part of the deal?'

'I will send you the balance once I'm sure that it was'Good morning Chief' Tarasha greeted on phone.

'Good morning Tarasha' a harsh voice responded.

'Chief, have you gotten the stuff you asked me to get? I dropped it in the car parked in front of your office according to our plan'

'Yes, I've seen it' the voice answered

'You've seen it? But why haven't you called me then? You didn't keep your part of the deal'

'What deal?'

'What do you mean Chief? Didn't you say that I would get the bank alert for my balance two hours after you get the carton?'

'Yes I said that, but you broke the agreement first'

'What? How?'

'You said you would do the job without killing anybody'

'Yes, I didn't drop anyone'

'But it was all over the news yesterday, all the labourers at the warehouse were found dead yesterday'

'That wasn't me, that happened in the afternoon. I carried out the job around 3am'

'How am I supposed to believe that you really did the job by 3am?'

'What the hell are you talking about Chief?' Tarasha flared up. 'I see you don't want to keep to your part of the deal?'

'I will send you the balance once I'm sure that it wasn't you that carried out the killings' the call ended.

Tarasha was fuming with anger as she dropped the phone, it wasn't as if the balance meant so much to her but she was angry at the obvious fact that the Chief only wanted to cheat her and she wouldn't take that from anyone. She checked her wall clock and pondered for a while before shr picked up a pistol and a mask from her bedside and stormed out of the house.

She tapped a button on the remote control and the door to the driver's seat of her Zently 2027 model opened. She slid into the car and the door closed back automatically, she inserted two bullets into the revolver and hid it safely under the car seat  after which she started the car engine and  drove towards the gate which opened automatically and closed after she was out of the compound.

She drove as fast as possible, hissing every time she had to stop because of traffic signals and other road users. After almost an hour drive, she got to Gravl Avenue, she parked at a very far distance to the Chief's house.

She gave a wicked smile as she glanced at her wristwatch. In few minutes, the driver and the bodyguard that accompanied the Chief youngest daughter to school would be returning. She took the revolver from where she hid it and kept it in her purse, reason that she wasn't properly dressed; the clothes she wore would show signs of the gun if pocketed.

She got out of the car , carefully making sure no passerby was watching or noticing her and she walked a distance closer to the Chief's house.

With her dark goggles on, she stayed by the side of the road and placed one hand on her waist, acting like one who was waiting for a cab. After two minutes, she sighted the driver and bodyguard from afar, returning in the car.

As they came closer, she started to walk through the road pretending not to see the coming car. She got the driver confused as he struggled to bring the car to a halt but not after he had gotten so close, almost hitting her.

'What's wrong with you ma'am? Didn't you see a car was coming?' The driver shouted angrily at her.

'I'm sorry' she pleaded, holding her chest like someone who was deeply horrified. She turned to the driver's side to apologize.

'You should be careful next time' the driver continued, more calmly now.

'I'm sorry' she said, gasping for breath and coughing as sweat drop from her face in the hot sun. 'I think I've lost my way, I was going to Eden hair salon at Gravl Avenue'

'You're at Gravl avenue already, just walk a little bit further and you'll find it by your left side'

'Please can you give me a lift there?' She pleaded.

'Okay yes' the driver replied, looking at the bodyguard by his side who shrugged in confirmation. 'Enter the back seat'

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Inspector James sat on a chair facing a man on the hospital bed, the only survivor of the warehouse attack. The man was conscious and was talking already, narrating all he knew about the attack.

'So you don't know any of those who attacked you people?' James interrogated

'Yes, I've never seen any of them before' the injured man replied, he had a bandage tied round his forehead and one round his belly.

'And they were not thieves?'

'Yes, they were not thieves. I believe they were looking for something, they said a carton was missing among the goods they collected last night'

'Last night? Which goods?'

'I overheard them saying something about 3am'

'3am? Do you people work overnight?'

'Sometimes, we fill up some cartons and arrange them overnight but I'm not aware that something like that was supposed to happen last night'

'Who was supposed to be on duty last night'

'Ermm... No one, except the security men'

'But the security men have been killed already, who else was on duty?'

'No the two security men that was killed yesterday were not the ones on shift that night'

'Oh! I see, do you know how we can reach them?'

'No, I have no relationship with them, we only greet when resuming and vacating the office'

'I think its enough already' the Doctor interrupted as he walked in. 'He needs rest'

'It's okay' James replied the Doctor and stood up, he turned back to the injured man.

'We're really sorry for what has happened and we promise to get to the root of this as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation, we'll contact you as soon as we need your help again, I wish you a quick recovery' he said and walked out of the ward with the other officer.

'But what do you think that hoodlums would want in a beverage warehouse?' James asked his colleague as they proceeded out of the hospital to their car.

'I don't know, I think the best people to give us the answer would be the security men on duty that night' he answered.

'Okay, what you would do now is to go back to the warehouse and check their logs, we need to get those men' James instructed. 'I believe they know about the incident'

'Ok, I'll just go straightaway sir'

'Good, we also have to be on the lookout for the manager Mr. Felix, there are still no signs of him everywhere'

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

11am

'Tarasha! ' Chief Gab called out immediately the call was answered.

'Hello Chief' she replied in a cheerful voice.

'Tarasha! How come you went that far on a little issue?'

'Was that Chief?' She asked mockingly. 'Or have you seen my gift?'

'Tarasha, you shouldn't have gone that far. I was going to send the money to you'

'Alright' she answered more seriously now. 'I should get the alert in the next fifteen minutes else your daughter would be in danger too'

'No o, Tarasha. Don't try that at all, that would be big trouble for you' the Chief tried to sound brave.

'You're the one who shouldn't try me Chief, send the money within fifteen minutes after this call ends'

'Okay, I will see what I can do'

'Huh?'

'I said I'll see what I can do'

'Don't play pranks Chief, if you think you can move your child out of the school and stop me from reaching her, then you better think twice because I can already see that your men are outside the school gate and there's no way they'll escape me'

'What!' The Chief was in shock. 'How did you know that?'

'Let me get the alert quickly' She said and ended the conversation.

The Chief was in panic as he dropped the phone. He wondered how Tarasha knew that he had already sent men to safeguard his daughter. He wasted no time as he picked up his tablet device and transferred the remaining balance of ten million naira to Tarasha's account and called her immediately to notify her.

'I just sent the money'

'Good, I received the message alert already' she replied him.

'So is my daughter free now?'

'Of course, I have nothing to use her for' she said with a chuckle.

'Okay, we need to see. I have some other jobs for you and I need to explain to you personally'

'We'll see on Skype'

No

'Huh? I need to meet with you, I need to see who I'm working with'

'I don't think there's any need for that, we see on Skype already, isn't it?'

'But you're always wearing a mask to hide your face'

'No, that's my face you see; that's Tarasha's face' she added.

'What do you mean?' Chief Gab questioned.

'The face behind that mask doesn't have any business to do with you' she said with a strict voice.

'I ...'

'If you don't mind Chief, I've got some other things to do' she interrupted him and ended the call.

'Damn' he cursed as he put down the phone. He held his jaw with his hand, remembering how he had been told to deal with her carefully.

He was calm after reminding himself that he couldn't get angry with Tarasha now, he still needed her in the work he had to do; his revenge mission.

He recalled his younger days as the minister of marketing and sales before he was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for drug trafficking and management of the country's funds after being probed and found guilty by the new government at that period. He was angry and determined to punish all the government officials  that  aided his arrest and conviction especially those who were also involved in some of the illegal businesses he did.

With the little he had seen Tarasha exhibit and the way Vladislav had spoken about her, he concluded that Tarasha would be of great importance to him in his revenge mission which was even the sole reason he had paid Vladislav several billions to send her down to Nigeria.

'Hey' he called out to one of his guards who stood at the doorside in the sitting room. 'Tell Edet to come here immediately'

The guard went out and returned with a very tall dark man with a slender body. The man bowed in courtesy to the Chief.

'You called for me sir'

'Yes, I did' Chief begun, 'two of our guys were killed this morning and I was told you were the one who saw it happening live from the surveillance cameras'

'Yes sir, I alerted them downstairs immediately'

'Yes, but I was told that the person left before they got to the gate'

'Yes, it was a Lady...'

'Shhhh... Don't worry' the Chief shut him up, standing up from his seating position. 'Let's go, I want to see the video footage myself'

'Okay sir' Edet replied as he led the Chief to the security room.

Chief Gab spotted himself on a laptop screen as he entered into the room, that laptop was the one connected to the camera in the room. He looked around the room to check if any change had been made to the room since the last two months he visited. The only change he noticed was that the room was darker than before as no bulb was turned on and would have been completely dark if not for the reflections of light from the several desktop screens in the room.

He sat down and rested properly into the chair he was motioned to and faced the desktop as Edet tried to open some files.

'Here's it sir' Edet explained as a video played. 'She wasn't wearing mask when she drove to the gate, but she wore the mask before she came out of the car; that was when I suspected something'

'Take it back to where she was in the car' Chief Gab said as he watched with great interest.

'Here' Edet rewinded a little, then zoomed the video. 'Only her jaw is visible, the rest of her face wasn't captured by the camera; from this we know her skin colour'

'Okay, play on'

'She wore a mask and came out of the car, I don't know how she knew where our camera was placed' Edet explained as the video showed Tarasha with her mask on, facing the camera. She pointed to the part of the mask which covered her forehead, showing them the name 'Tarasha' which was inscribed on it.

'So we can't get any useful information from this?' The Chief asked angrily.

'We know her complexion' Edet answered.

'Are you crazy? Do you know how many people in this city alone has the same complexion?' The Chief slammed.

'I'm sorry sir'

'Sorry for yourself' Chief Gab hissed and left the room.

End of chapter 2

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CHAPTER 1: TARASHA

The breeze blew gently on her skin through the opened window as she peeped outside. The moon lit the earth brightly, working with the well lighted streets to reveal every road and blocks on the streets. Tarasha looked up at the
shining stars, they seemed to communicate something to her which she didn't understand. She turned back into the room and glanced at the wall clock which was her only companion in the large bedroom as the tick tock sound it made was the only sound that could be heard in the house.

She closed the window and walked to her planning table; she switched on the laptop and waited patiently for it to finish booting before she clicked on a folder icon on the desktop. The folder opened, revealing a Microsoft word document which she opened and began to scan through.

She stood up a minute later, obviously satisfied with the details gotten from the document. She glanced at the wall clock again; it was fifteen minutes past 1am already. According to the information she was given to work with, the Nanl  gang would move the targeted van by 3am.

She walked to the drawer and bent as she pulled it out, she didn’t think she would require a lot of instruments for this job as she was only required to pick up a carton from a van that wasn't heavily secured. She picked out her favourite tool, a Walther PPK which she fondly referred to as “baby”, she inserted it into the pocket in her jacket with a silencer and closed the drawer. She picked up a small black piece elastic material from the table and stuck it into her back pocket as she walked out of the house.

In no time, she drove out of the compound and hit the main road. The road was very free as it used to be at midnight, so she got to her destination in less than ninety minutes.

She parked her car at a reasonable distance from the house which was located at a T-section part of the road, in a very dark corner on the street where she was able to get a clear view of the warehouse. Not too long after, she could hear the sound of a vehicle engine being started, she glanced at her wristwatch, it was 2.58am. She quietly came out of the car through the other side and hid in the darkness, looking around to be sure no one was watching her. She sat on the car bonnet, pulled out the mask from her back pocket and wore it, the mask covered only part of her face having holes that allowed her see and talk freely. She also picked some black hand gloves from the car and put them on.

At exactly 3 o'clock, the screeching sound of the opening gate was heard. Tarasha changed her position and bent down by the side of the car as the opened gate now revealed a vehicle whose front lights shone brightly, illuminating the compound.

She watched as the van was driven outside the compound and the gate closed. She noticed that his two men seated in the van, one of them spoke as they got close to her car. She couldn't make out what was been said but she knew they were talking about her car as the driver looked towards her direction.

After they drove a little bit far past her, she got into the car and waited for them to make a turn at the junction before she started the car engine and pursued after them.

'Look, isn't that the car we saw parked a by the road side now?' The driver of the van asked after spotting the car racing after them through the side mirror.

'Yes' one of his companion answered him, "looks like a Lady is  the driver"

'A lady? What does she want at this time of the day?' The driver was amazed, he made space for her car to pass beside the van.

'I've got something of mine in your van' Tarasha shouted as she already levelled up with them. "Park your van and let's talk"

'Are you crazy wo...' The driver couldn't complete his question as one of the van tyres deflated at that moment. He struggled with the steering wheel but was able to avoid an accident since the van was on a low speed.

'What happened?' The other guy asked the driver.

'I don't know' he replied as he opened the door and came out of the vehicle. Tarasha's front car light shone brightly into his eyes.

He was vexed and he approached the car in anger where it was parked behind them, the car light was turned off as he got closer. The Lady came out and faced the opposite side, waiting for him.

'What on earth do you...' A blow landed on his face  he staggered backwards, almost falling.

He charged towards her but she dodged his attack and sent him another blow on his stomach. Tarasha held his head before he recovered and hit his head on the car bonnet which sent him sprawling on the floor with a loud cry.

The other man in the car was already rushing towards her with a iron rod but she bent down making him miss his target and almost falling down. Before he could make another attempt, she sent his legs off the ground with a sliding kick that made him hit his head on the floor, after which she hit his head his head with the butt of her gun,  knocking him out.

She picked up the other man who was already bleeding through the nose and dragged him to the back of the van.
'Open it' She commanded as she placed a gun at the back of his neck.

'The key is in the car' he replied shakily. She escorted him as he walked to the driver's side and picked the key.

'Get me the carton labelled "D" ' she ordered as the man busied himself with the key.

The man switched on his torchlight and begun to offload the neatly arranged cartons. It wasn't too long before he saw the carton labelled 'D'.

Tarasha made him carry it to her car boot then she knocked him out with the butt of the gun and drove off after making sure nobody saw them.

She checked her time as she parked car in her compound, it was 3.50am already. She left the carton in the boot and walked into the house. Before she laid on the bed, she sent a text message to an unsaved number from her phone.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*10am, same day *

'Damn! You idiots' Don exclaimed angrily as he scattered the objects placed on his table. He picked his gun and walked closer the two men kneeling at the front of his table, there were other five mean looking men standing in the office.

'So you two mean an ordinary lady knocked out both of you?' He continued angrily.

'Sir... I... I...' One of the men kneeling down stammered, he was the driver of the van.

'You what? And you still laid helpless till the police found and arrested you'

'We are sorry sir, we promise to get her and recover the carton' the other man replied, fidgeting all over.

'Idiot, what did she look like? Can you recognize her?'

'No, she was wearing a mask, we didn't see her face'

'Idiot, how do you intend to get her?' Don barked angrily.

'We ...' The man began to speak but couldn't continue as Don fired bullets into the chests of the both men.

'Dispose them off' he ordered the men in the room.

Four of the men carried the bodies outside, two carrying each one. The remaining man who seemed to be the next in command walked closer to the table as Don walked back to his seat.

'We should have sent more capable men' Don said as he sat down.

'We were not expecting any attack and this isn't the first time of sending both of them on errands like this, they've never failed'

'So how did this happen?'

'It must have been well planned, I think we were played'

'Played? Do you think Felix can play a trick on me, knowing the kind of person I am?'

'I believe that the carton was returned to that warehouse, no one else knew about the transaction'

Don picked up his phone and dialed a number, placing a stern look at the man standing at his front as he waited for his call to be answered.

'He's not picking' he announced to the waiting ears of his subordinate.

'I told you' the man said boastfully.

'Go get my stuff for me and bring Felix down here in two hours' Don ordered in a gruffy voice.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tarasha rode speedily on the free expressway, the breeze making her jacket fly backwards. She loved the attention she got when she occasionally sped past cars, the look on the drivers' faces was always a questioning look of how a lady should be riding so crazily. But it was her hobby, that was the way she relaxed.  She slowed down a little bit when she looked at the side mirror and noticed someone waving and calling.

'Hey' Henry shouted, slowing down the powerbike speed as he levelled up with her.

'Hi' she replied him.

'I'm Henry, can we stop and talk a little?' Henry asked, increasing his speed to level up again as she increased hers first.

'What do you have to say? I don't have enough time to stop and chat'

'Sorry for disturbing but are you new around here? I've never seen you with us at the bike riders association'

'What bike riders association?' She asked, increasing her speed again.

'Nigerian bikers association, you don't know about it?'

'We'll...  other time' was what the guy heard due to obstruction by the breeze before she sped off.

He concluded that she must have said to him that they'll talk some other time. But how were they going to meet again, they didn't even see each other's faces as their helmet concealed their faces

He decided to race after and catch up with her, but even after rapidly increasing his speed and riding crazily for some minutes, no trace of  her nor her bike was seen.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

'It looks like we have someone who's still alive here' Inspector James summoned other officers to where he squatted, a wounded body was laying in front of him.

'He's still breathing' an officer who also squatted beside him added.

'He needs medical attention immediately, take him to the hospital' James said to the medical officers approaching with a stretcher, as he stood up from his position and gave way for the officers to carefully carry the body.

He watched as they carried the body into an ambulance and sped off. He looked around and saw the medical officers packing the already dead bodies into their vehicles.

'The manager of the warehouse is missing and there are no traces of him or his body around the place' he said to his colleague who was standing beside him.

'Yes' came the reply, 'we can't tell if he was taken away by the attackers or if he was killed and dropped somewhere else'

'That's possible, but we have to confirm first that he's not at home or somewhere around town. We have to reach members of his family and his friends'

'I've sent men to his house already, they'll be back with a reply soon'

'Good' James turned and looked around the warehouse again, the look on his face turned to a more confused one. 'I'm just wondering what kind of people attacked this place'

'I wonder too and it doesn't look like anything was stolen, all the packaged goods are still intact', the colleague added.

'I don't think those who carried out this attack are thieves,  I believe they came on a different mission'

'Yeah, that's true'

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
'Felix Felix' Don taunted the already tortured man as he walked into the large room. 'I see you're playing games with me'

'No Don, I swear. I don't plan the attack on your boys'

'Then where is my carton?'

'I don't know, we arranged the carton with the other cartons and labelled it differently according to our plan'

'Who else knew about this our deal?'

'No other person knew, even the men that packed the cartons didn't know that there was anything different in it' the man.

'Who did you send to do the repackaging after it landed in your warehouse?'

'I did the repackaging myself , I removed it from the beer carton and packaged it in the tin milk carton'

'Who saw you while you were doing it?'

'No one did'

'Hmm, then why is it that it was that same carton that was taken from my boys?'

'I don't know sir , maybe someone here knew as about our conversation'

'Huh? Someone here?' Don barked loudly and stared fiercely at his men surrounding them, who all shook in fear.

'Yes, someone in your organization must have leaked out the secret'

'Them?' Don gave a short laugh and stopped to stare wickedly at his men again. 'These ones dare not sell me out, most of them weren't even aware of the deal'

'Then, maybe you...'Felix stammered out of fear.

'Maybe I?' Don barked as he brought out his gun and pointed it at Felix. 'Now, tell me where and who you took it to'

'I swear, I don't know anything about this. Believe me, I did everything according to the plan and made sure no one was aware' Felix answered, shaking terribly at the sight of the gun.

'Okay, stand up and get out of this place' Don lowered his gun.

'Ehn?' Felix eyes widened in shock, not believing that Don would allows him go.

'I said get out before I change my mind'

'Thank you Don' Felix picked up his shoes and stood up from his kneeling position. He straightened up his shirt and headed for the door immediately, he was about to open the lock when he bullet went in through his head.

End of 1

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PROLOGUE: TARASHA

DISCLAIMER: Characters included in this story are COMPLETELY FICTIONAL. No similarity to any person either living or dead, place(real location) or any organization is intended or should be inferred.

All rights reserved by the author- Oyin Oluwatosin Emmanuel (YOUNG C.C)

PROLOGUE

The leaves spread out widely, gladly receiving the heat from the sun as they stuck firmly to their respective branches on the different trees. The wind contributed to the happiness of the living things as it blew heavily across the forest occasionally, making some of the lighter branches collide against the stems of taller trees and other unmoving branches.
Danjuma cleared the way for his wife who followed him happily as they took a stroll around the forest, he stopped when he got to a cleared path and waited for her to catch up with him. They smiled at each other as they continued walking through the forest hand in hand, recalling how they met for the first time in that same forest.
Ten years ago, Danjuma and two of his colleagues had come for a research on wildlife in the forest, they were inspecting a special breed of lizards when they noticed a movement at a thick bush opposite their direction, they paused to observe properly. At first, they thought it was a wild animal that hid behind the bushes and they brought out their defence weapons, ready to attack whatever it was. However, it didn't take long before a young lady in a Doctor's coat appeared, three of her colleagues who appeared to be Doctors  too followed. Lydia and her team had come to collect some special herbs for the manufacturing of drugs required to cure an epidemic disease that troubled the village close to the forest.
Danjuma got happily married to Lydia in Lagos two years after they met. They had their first boy in the same year they got married and had given birth to two other boys after. After living in Lagos for eight years, Danjuma relocated with his family to Borno State.
Nine years later, Danjuma brought his wife to that same forest on their wedding anniversary hoping to bring back good memories of the past to her which he succeeded at, as Lydia clearly showed her delight while they walked through the forest together.
'Wow' Lydia released her hand from Danjuma's grip and ran forward playfully, turning round a spot. She laughed happily as she looked at the sky, making her long hair fall backwards.
Danjuma followed after her and wrapped his hand around her body. He looked straight into her eyes, and placed a kiss on her cheeks
'Nine years ago, I was standing here when I ...'
'Shhh... Quiet' Danjuma hushed, 'let's just enjoy this silence and the cool breeze'
'I ...' A cry interrupted her and she paused to listen carefully. The cry became louder, it was the cry of an infant.
The couple looked at each for a moment before they traced the sound carefully. They saw a woman lying helplessly under a tree with a baby laid on a wrapper spread beside her. The couple quickly rushed to the scene.
The lady, actually a teenager was almost gasping for breath when they got to her. A faint smile appeared on her face as she saw the couple, she turned her face to look at the baby and looked back at the couple.
'Her name is...' She coughed out heavily.
Deborah knelt beside the teenager and gently placed her back on her hand, trying to calm her down. 'What happened?'
'I named her Omotara' the teenager struggled to speak.

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COMING SOON: TARASHA by YOUNG C.C

This story is about a Lady Assassin who was trained in Russia, specially skilled in the art and carrying out the job with no fears, restraints or apologies.

She became so powerful and was greatly feared by several of her male counterparts, including some of the masters who trained her. She hated so many things, God was number one on her hatred list.

She came down to Nigeria and was still involved in her profession until she met someone who was willing to help her start a new life.

But people from the past came into her life bringing back old memories. Then she met her match, another fierce assassin.

Story by Oyin Oluwatosin Emmanuel.

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CHAPTER 24 (LAST CHAPTER): WHO AM I?

Chapter 24

There was a bang- a shot from his gun. I decided not to move, there was no reason to. The end was near. I accepted that. I only wished that David would be taken care of. That’s all that mattered to me. Tears streamed down from my eyes, but I refused to sob. Suddenly, I could hear. No more static sounds but somewhat like a loud wail in a vast hall. I tried to open by eye but it closed again. I could hear the voices. I was expecting more shots to hit me but none came. That’s was when I realised that Harry never shot me. He pointed the gun, I heard the shot, but it wasn’t from Harry.

I opened my eyes again, this time, I saw Harry, pointing a gun towards the window and shouting. I couldn’t hear he was saying, but he wasn’t joking. Beside me was the guard that was laughing with him when he was about to shoot me, he was dead. Harry had shot him. I was confused. Why would Harry shoot the guard? I asked myself.

I shook my head better and I could hear the voices a bit clearer. Harry pointed his gun towards the window. I could hear another voice now. It was child’s- sobbing. I shook my head again and this time, I heard well.

‘Put the gun down, Terry. Put it down!’ Harry shouted.

Terry? My mind raced through the names. David! That was David. I looked towards the window, where Harry pointed his gun, it was at David. Oh, my God! I tried to stand up but I couldn’t.

‘Terry. It’s bad to kill, okay? You just shot my man here. Put down your gun- we call talk about this.’

I looked at David. He held the gun in both hands, definitely terrified, sobbing, but determined.

‘Terry…’

‘Shoot him, David!’ I mustered some strength.

‘Shut the fucck up!’ Harry screamed at me. ‘Don’t listen to that bittch, okay? You are a good boy.’

‘David, please.’ I said.

Harry aimed at me in a sharp quick movement and fired his gun. He missed. In a flash, he was aiming back at my son. You got the count of five to put down that gun, Terry. Or whatever the fucck your name is. I swear, I will shot you. I am done pleading with you.

‘Please, don’t kill him.’ I cried, trying to get on my feet.

‘You are not dead yet? You got nine lives, yeah?’ He chuckled as he responded to my plea. ‘Don’t worry, I will take care of you. But it’s a pity I gotta kill this brat.’

‘Please…’

Terry fired at David, and right in my eyes, David wet down. The gun in another direction. I fainted.

*********************

I woke up to many beeping sounds. My head aches. My body too. The trauma of losing David weighed all over me. My strength, all gone. I began to cry. Fighting Harry was not an option. After seeing David die, the next things was to follow suit. All the will to fight faded in an instance. I expected Harry to finish up his job. I decided to stand up and run to him. I know what he would do, he would shoot me. But that was all I wanted, that was all that must happen. I have to die.

I gathered my strength and tried to sit up, but it appeared I was tied. I fell back and tried to open my eyes. Everything was a bit dark, blurry. I closed it and tried again, then I could see clearly, where I was. It was in a room; I was on a bed. The beeping sound was from the heart monitor machine and the ropes that held me down were many tubes that conduits fluids into various veins on my body. I fell back on my bed.

‘Oh, my God, David.’ I cried.

‘David is fine.’ A voice answered me.

I quickly glanced to my side, I didn’t know he was sitting there, beside me.

‘David is fine, Cindy.’ Fredrick said again, a smile on his face and a tap to my arm.

‘He is?’ I sobbed.

He nodded and smiled.

‘You need to get well, okay.’ Fredrick said.

‘No, I need to see my son.’ I said and sat up. I began to remove the drips on me.

‘Don’t do that, Cindy.’ Fredrick held me down. ‘I will order them to bring in your son, but you need to get well. You were almost dead. I warned you not to come.’

‘Please, before you kill me, let me see my son.’

‘No one’s gonna kill you, Cindy.’ Fredrick let go of me and gestured to a guy by the window. ‘Bring David in.’

‘David?’ The guy said.

My heart leaped. ‘He’s dead, isn’t he?’ I began to cry. ‘He’s dead! I saw Harry shot him!’

‘Bring in Terry. Will you?’ Fredrick said.

‘Oh, sorry. I don’t know any David.’ The guy muttered and exited the room.

‘I am sorry.’ I whispered to Fredrick.

David was brought in- hale and hearty. I couldn’t contain my joy as I held him to my chest and cried uncontrollably. My joy knew no bounds. After I had taken my time, I turned to Fredrick and thanked him.

‘It’s okay.’ He replied.

‘Please, let me take him. Let me go.’ I pleaded. ‘Do not let Harry take…’

‘Harry is dead, Cindy. You are free now.’

‘He is?’ I was surprised.
‘Yeah. I killed him!’ Fredrick said.

‘Your father?’ I whispered. Both confused and happy at the same time.

‘Well,’ he began, ‘I came in just when he was pointing his gun at the poor boy. I knew my father, he would kill him.’

‘But… But I heard the gun shot, I saw David fall.’

‘Yeah, he was just scared. He must have thought he was dead when he heard the sound. I was the one that shot my father.’

‘I’m sorry.’ I whispered.

‘Don’t be.’ He stood up. ‘I never liked him. Get well. I already arranged how you’ll get to Mexico.’ He said as he was exiting the room.

‘Can we go now?’ I said as he was about to leave.

‘You don’t want the money?’

‘No.’ I quickly said. ‘It was your father’s; keep it. Just let us go. Please.’ I begged.

Fredrick smiled. ‘We shall see.’

He said and exited the room. I was scared. I can’t take another round of trouble.

‘Lord help me.’ I whispered.

David hugged me and sobbed.

Three days later, I arrived in Mexico, with David. Fredrick had let us go. He didn’t plan to keep us at all. Fredrick was generous enough to give us ten thousand dollars. He asked me to get a job and live a modest life. I agreed. I had no choice though. Ten thousand was enough for me to start a new life. We rented an apartment and I got a small shop and started my hair salon business. Business was slow, but it puts food on the table, helped pay for David’s school fees and we could save a little for the raining day.

Seven months later, a postman delivered a parcel, directly to my door step. It was surprise because I wasn’t expecting any. I had no friends and no family. Without doubt, it was meant for me. My name, Rosa Rodríguez was clearly printed on the parcel. I signed and took it inside. With shaking hands, I opened it and it was nearly empty- except for a small envelope. I tore the envelope and couldn’t withhold my surprise. It was a cheque for five million dollars and a letter.

‘Hi Rosa
I see that you have taken my advice and is living a modest life. I cannot tell you how happy I am.
This is gift for your son, David, on his birthday, today. I know you would be surprised, we never discussed any of this, but, I still believed you earned part of the money.
I know you said you have forgiven me about your mom, but, I am still sorry about her death.
I promise to you guys soon.
From me, Fredrick!


The end

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CHAPTER 22: WHO AM I?

Chapter 22

I woke up to a biting cold. My skin aches so badly. I looked around, it was a bit dark. A small light reflected at the far end. Wherever I was, the whole atmosphere was very cold- including the floors. It should be the freezer, just as Harry as directed. I knew that my eyes would adjust itself to the darkness, but I got to find a way out, fast. It would seem impossible, but I was determined to try.

I breathed out cold air like a dragon would breathe fire and I crawled towards the door. The design was simple- it could only be opened from the outside.

‘Great.’ I told myself.

I hugged myself very tight, but it wouldn’t help. The cold bit harder and I could feel it. I became dizzy and sight, blurry. I sat at a corner to think. Then my eyes caught the cash, neatly removed from the bag, wrapped in a plastic bags. I crawled over it and held them in my hands. It was a pity that I was gonna die, after all I went through. All these time I was dying to get home without an empty hand, I was only chasing the winds. Mama had been killed, David had been adopted by the same man, who had caused my woes.

I wandered through the freezer in search for anything- anything to help me out. I found me a dead body- Holden’s body. I searched through it- no gun, no knife, but a lighter. I took the lighter and dropped it. It would be useless. I need something to help me try to open the door- I was freezing to death. Then I decided to indulge in some exercises. That would keep me warm. So I started; jumping jacks. This kept me alive until I got tired and started to freeze to death again.

I collapsed on the floor of the freezer and resolved to death. My whole life flashed in my eyes. The struggle, David, Mama and the money.

‘Yes, the money!’ I jerked back some strength. ‘The money!’ I said pulled myself back to my feet.

I went for the money, tore some of them away from the plastic bag and carried it beside the dead body. I took the lighter. Without much ado, I made myself some camp fire, burning the whole cash away, while I warmed up my hands. I laughed as I threw in more notes into the fire and watched it burn- providing a life-saving fire with the very thing that I would have killed to keep. I laughed at myself. By the time I started to hear voices, I had burned up to five million dollars.

I quickly stood up, dragged the dead body over the ashes. I packed some ice and lay on the floor, eyes over me. I played dead. After some minutes, the door opened.

‘She should be dead by now.’ I heard Harry’s voice.

‘You finally killed her.’ Fredrick said.

‘Well, she left me no choice. Go, go see if she’s dead. She can be a real bittch, sometimes.’

‘Okay, Boss.’

‘No, not you. Let Fredrick do that.’

‘Fuck you, dad.’ Fredrick said and I heard him step into the freezer.

He came over to me and kneel. My intention was to grab him, but I would be shot dead right away. So, as soon as he bent over to listen to my heartbeat, I whispered in his ears.

‘Fredrick…’

I believed he jerked. I couldn’t say because my eyes were wide shut, but I heard Harry asked what the problem is.

‘Is she fuckin alive?’

‘I… I don’t think so.’ Fredrick said.

“Well, be sure. Check again!’

Fredrick put his ears on my chest again and took the chance again.

‘Please, help me.’

Fredrick stood up.

‘So?’ Harry asked.

‘She’s fuckin dead.’ Fredrick said.

‘Great. Now, take some boys and go plant her into the soil. Plant her by the apples, so that everyone can have a taste of her. What do you think, son?’ Harry laughed.  I could hear his voice trail away.

‘Hey, you. Get the truck around.’ Fredrick ordered.

‘Yes, boss.’

‘You, come help me grab her legs.’

I was put in the truck and driven for sometimes. I opened my eyes after a while, and there was Fredrick, looking at me, smiling.

‘It’s okay.’ He said. ‘You’re safe now.’

‘Thank you.’ I whispered. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

‘I’m sorry.’ Fredrick whispered.

The car stopped at some time, and Fredrick ordered his guys to get as far as they could- away from him.

‘I’ll do this myself.’

‘Yes, Boss’. The two of them chorused.

After they had left. Fredrick helped me down.

‘Cindy…’

‘It’s okay.’

‘No, it’s not. I killed your Mom.’

‘Listen to me Fredrick,’ I held his hands, ‘I need to get my son back. Please.’

‘I think you should leave, now that you could. My father is gonna kill you.’

‘Harry is your father.’

‘Listen, it’s a long story. Noone’s supposed to know. And that was how discreet we have been. But, you need to leave now. You can take the car. I will ring the base to bring a new one.’

‘I can’t be safe. Harry, your father will hunt me down.’

‘You’re dead and buried. Unless you didn’t stay dead. But for your sake, I hope you would take this chance and leave. Forget about Terry…’

‘David. His name is David and I can’t forget about my son!’

‘Then, you left me with no choice, Cindy.’ Fredrick said and brought out his gun.

‘You’re gonna shoot me?’

‘I should have. You have proven too stubborn. I am sorry.’

I chuckled. ‘I thought we had a thing going on back there.’ I sniffed as I fought back my tears.

‘If we didn’t, you would be dead by now.’

‘Please, I don’t want the money. Get me David and I will leave forever.’

‘That is impossible, Cindy. You know. My Dad loves Terry, let him be. He is currently in one of the best schools. He’s going to be a great boy. You can’t give him what my Dad could. Please, just leave, now!’

It was apparent that Fredrick won’t bulge, so, I decided to take the deal.

‘Promise me that you will stay in touch.’ I said.

‘I promise.’ Fredrick whispered. ‘When I get back to Mexico, I will find you.’

‘Do me a favour.’ I said.

‘What?’

‘Ring the base for a new vehicle, give me your phone to keep. At least, you would know how to contact me.’

‘Cindy…’

‘Please! Do this for me.’ I pleaded and he agreed.

He called the base and rang them for a new vehicle. He then wiped the phone and gave it to me.

‘Take the vehicle and proceed north. There is navigator that would direct you out of this barren land. Okay?’

I nodded. ‘Thank you.’ I whispered.

I got myself into the vehicle. Removed the SIM from the phone, removed the battery and smashed the phone.

‘What the fucck, Cindy?’ Fredrick was confused.

I started the engine and engaged the gear, ready to roll.

‘Get ready to trek back to base, Fredrick. I got a son to retrieve.’ I said and turned the car around.

I headed back to base. From the mirror, I saw Fredrick tried to run after me for a while before giving up. The new vehicle would be on the way, but I was determined to get to my son before words got out.

END OF 23

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CHAPTER 21: WHO AM I?

Chapter 21

I was locked up in a small room without windows. No need to plan, I was helpless. The place was without furniture, which may be wielded as a weapon. I took the time to reminisce about everything and I regretted not taking the chance to flee. My mind was on David, my son, and my mom. If Harry could find me, then, he could find my family. I resolved to begging Harry- just maybe, he would listen.

Two days later, without food or water, they came for me. The guys were heavily armed, but I was weak- I couldn’t have swung a punch that could smash a rotten tomato, talk less of fighting. I was taken to Harry- Jacob. He sat at the far end of a banquet table, long and well decorated with foods. Bacon, fruits, roasted turkey- all sorts of it. I was seated at the farther end of the table, closer to the main door.

‘Welcome, Kate.’

I nodded. Too frail to talk.

‘Some wine?’ He asked.

I nodded and he ordered one of the guys to pour me a wine. I gulped down in a rush. My stomach twitched.

‘Easy tiger. Easy.’ Harry said.

Maybe he was trying to keep me alive, like before.

‘Please…’ I found my voice and wanted to speak.

‘Hold it!’ He stopped me. ‘You are going to die anyway. Whatever you say is irrelevant. So, you should listen to be.’ He gestured at one of his guys to come forward. He whispered to him and he left. Some minutes later, he came back with a little boy, who upon seeing Harry, rushed to embrace him.

‘Daddy!’ He shouted.

‘How are you, son? Do you miss me?’

‘Yes, daddy.’ He said. ‘Who is that?’ He asked as he saw me.

‘She’s nobody.’

‘Her name is nobody?’

‘No, her name is Rosa. I am interviewing her. She may be your nanny if she passed. Do you like her?’

‘No.’ He said. ‘She is dirty. She has no hair.’

I ran my hands through my bald hair. I already forgot that I had no wig on.

‘Is she sick?’ He asked again.

Harry looked at me and smiled. ‘Yes. And hungry too.’

‘Then, give her some food.’

‘We will, son. But I am afraid, it might not be of use to her.’

‘Why?’

‘You asked too many question. You are smart kid. You can go now. I will see you later, okay?’

He gestured and they took him away.

‘Smart kid, ugh? That’s my son.’

I nodded. Not interested.

‘I adopted him, though.’ He paused. ‘Do you want to know where he came from?’

‘I don’t care.’ I responded.

‘You should. Because, that is David, your son!’

My mind had some ripples. I couldn’t make a sense of what he said. David?

‘You are a liar.’

‘Yes, I am. But your mother is dead. We tried to make her give up your location while I was looking for you. Fredrick tortured her to death!’

‘My mother is dead?’ I tried to stand but I was knocked down by the guy behind me. I started to cry. I was helpless- I could feel it. All my strength eluded me. I allowed myself to cry.

‘Well, it wasn’t intentional. Fredrick didn’t know she was sick. She died…’

‘Fucck you!’ I cried. ‘I will kill you.’ I said softly.

‘You wish.’

‘Please, take all your money, give me my son and let me go. Please.’ I pleaded, still curled on the floor, crying.

‘You mean, Terry? No, I will like to keep him. I like him. Look at him, he liked me too.’

‘Give me my son!’ I screamed.

‘No, he’s mine now. Stand her up.’ He ordered.

‘Before they kill you, Kate, there is one more person, I will like you to meet.’ He turned to his bodyguard, ‘Get me my son.’

‘Yes Boss.’ He said and made to leave, but stopped like he forgot something. ‘Boss, which one of them? The big son or the small one.’

‘The big one. My real son.’

‘Yes Boss.’ He said and left.

‘Wait for it, Kate. The last surprise before you get killed.’

‘Give me my son.’ I cried as I was held in both arms my two guys.

‘Go to Terry,’ he turned to one of his boys, ‘if she tries anything stupid, kill him.’

‘What?’ the guard.

‘No, No. Don’t worry, I won’t.’

‘Well, I don’t want to take chances. Your life for your son’s. It’s simple. Don’t fight it and that it. Now, you, go.’

The guy left. I hanged my head and started to cry. I resolved to die. No need to fight anymore.

‘Please, send him to the college.’ I cried. ‘I always wanted him to be a doctor.’ I whispered.

‘Don’t worry about that. He already attends the best school, in France. But, he’s not gonna be a doctor- he will be a lawyer. It’s high time I need a criminal lawyer that is my blood.’ He chuckled. ‘What do you think?’

‘That’s cool, boss.’ One of them replied.

‘Hello Dad. You wanted to see me.’ A voice said.

‘Yes, son. Look who’s here?’

I recognized the voice immediately I heard it. I couldn’t forget it. I raised my head, slowly.

‘Cindy?’ Fredrick was puzzled.

‘Please.’ I sobbed.

‘What the…’

‘Yeah, what the fucck. Right?’ Harry chuckled. ‘You went soft for her, right. Well, it’s understandable. Such beauty. Well, son, I tracked her down myself and would kill her. You had only one instruction, kill her and bring my money.’

‘That was two instructions, Boss.’ One of the guys joked.

‘You wanna die?’ Harry said, to the joker.

‘I’m sorry, boss. I don’t wanna die. I was only…’

‘Than, keep your mouth shut!’

‘Dad…’

‘Shut up, Fredrick!’ Harry shouted him down.

‘But I got you your money!’

‘And let her go, right? The boys told me you instructed them not to touch her, against my fuckin will. And then, you bribed them, out of my fuckin money, to come lie to my face that they killed her.’

‘Dad,’ Fredrick whispered. ‘We’ve done enough damage, let her go. Please.’

‘Oh, she pussie-whipped you too.’ Harry started to laugh. ‘Just when I thought you are a tough nail. She’s just a cat! You can have as manyas you want, you cunt!’

‘Dad, I took care of your business, there in Mexico for decades, while you enjoy a laundered money, here, in the States. Don’t call me a cunt!’

‘Okay.’ Harry smiled. He swaggered jokingly around the room. ‘Maybe, I exaggerated a little. But she,’ She pointed to me, ‘made you soft!’

‘She didn’t that. She didn’t. I just…’ he sighed.

‘What? Speak up, son. Maybe, I… maybe I can spare her. Who knows?’

‘After her mother died and you adopted her son. She literally wouldn’t have met anything back in Mexico. I felt she had suffered enough, even though she never knew that. All the while she was struggling to get back to Mexico, she never knew she had lost everything, except the money she fighting to take along. I just thought…’

‘Yeah, you’re right.’ Harry started to sob.

I was surprised. Fredrick took at glance and me and saw the surprise on my face.

‘Dad?’

‘You’re right, son. She has suffered enough.’ He sobbed on.

‘It’s okay Dad. Are… are you gonna let her go?’

‘Yeah, you fuckin idiot!’ Harry started to laugh.

Fredrick was gutted. I could see it.

‘Fucck you, Dad!’ He said angrily and stormed out.

‘Fucck you too, son. Fuckin idiot.’ He said and moved to where I was held. ‘Are you gonna let her go.’ He mimicked Fredrick, squeakily.

‘Fuckin moron. It’s good that I already have another son, I can just kill this idiot, who called himself my heir!’

‘What, Boss? Fredrick?’ One of the guys asked, surprised.

‘If you touch my son, any of them, I would kill you!’

‘Okay, Boss.’ The guy sighed. ‘But you ordered Banks to kill Terry if her mother tried to…’

‘Yeah, they can kill that one. Eventually, blood is thicker than water.’ Harry said.

All these while, he was in my front. My head couldn’t fathom all that was happening. It all looks like a bad dream. Both the son and the father had used me and destroyed my life. I cursed the day I met Harry. Everything turned bad from day one.

‘Now, what should I do with you?’ Harry interrupted my thought.

‘Please, listen to your son. Just let me go.’ I tried to plead.

‘Yeah, both of you think through a dead brain. You already know this place, you would definitely look for revenge.’

‘I won’t. Just give me my son and let us go.’

‘Yeah, I believe you.’

‘Me too, Boss.’ The guy said again.

Harry was silent. He looked through the guy. ‘You were the guy that just joked about my instructions, when I was with my son, over there, right?’

‘Yes, Boss. And I said, I was sorry.’

‘Apparently, you were not. You also interrupted me when I talked about killing my son, right?’

‘I am sorry, Boss.’

‘And now, here, again. Who hired you?’

‘Your son, Sir. Fredrick.’

‘Ah, that moron. God give me the strength to shoot him myself.’ HE turned to the guy again. ‘What’s your name?’

‘Holden, Boss.’

‘Well, Holden…’ Harry brought out his gun and pointed it to him.

Holden tracked backwards.

‘You are fired.’ Harry said and shot him.

I was unmoved. The idiot got a gun, I would have shot him first, if it were me.

‘Now, lock her inside the freezer. Make sure you put the bag of money right beside her. I want her to look at the money that she would never get to spend, while she froze to death!’

‘Please. Please!’ I struggled, but had no strength.

Harry moved over to me and hit me hard on the head with his pistol. I blanked out.

End of 21

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CAHPTER 20: WHO AM I?

‘Take me to Jacob.’ I said to Harry.

He smiled and shook his head. ‘You may just shoot me, here and now. Taking you to Jacob would bring the same result.’

‘Listen, I need to see…’

‘All you need to do is get your money and leave in one piece.’

‘So, that I can live the rest of my life, glancing across my shoulders?’

‘Take the money. Jacob’s job was done. I won’t be pursuing this any longer!’

‘Yeah, I wanted to believe you. You faked your death; convened with your friends to dupe me of the same cash and ordered them to kill me!’

‘And somehow, they let you live. By the way, the last time I heard, you wanted me dead. Your stupid lover, Dave, only loved the money more.’

‘Start the engine.’ I got serious.

‘Listen, take me money and…’

I cocked the gun.

‘Fine!’ He started the engine. ‘But, let me assure you, you won’t leave the place alive.’

‘Move!’

He made to use the seat belt.

‘No.’ I said. ‘No seat belt.’

‘Well, for one, I would like to be safe. You may want to come seat here,’ he invited me to the front’s passenger’s seat, ‘if you would like to use your seat belt too.’

‘Oh, I got a seat belt right here too, at the back. But, no seat belt for you.’ I said and used my seat belt.

‘Please, be fair.’ He chuckled.

‘I know the drill, Harry; if you use the seat belt, you can gas up the car as fast as you want, slammed on the pedals and destabilized me. But, now, you try it, you are goner.’

‘Let’s say for once, you are right, but, you forgot the air bag.’

I was getting inpatient, so I fired a shot through the windshield.

‘Okay, okay, bittch!’ He said and we started the journey to Jacobs.

My mind was on Fredrick, I needed him dead. Harry is not a threat- his money always do the dirty works. I was cocksure that Jacob was Fredrick. Using Harry as a hostage, I would have my way.

‘So, you are Escobar.’ I chuckled. ‘That’s funny. I could never guess right.’

‘Yeah, I am.’

‘So, you sell drug to make money.’

‘Wrong.’

‘But, you are Escobar. What’s the story about Fredrick owing a drug Lord some…’

‘They’re stories. Just like you called it. Jacob came up with the script.’

‘You mean, Fredrick?’

‘Listen, bittch…’

I pressed the muzzle of the gun against his head, from the back, ‘Call me bittch again.’

‘You won’t kill me. You needed me to get to Jacob.’

‘That depends. Getting to Jacob is a secondary mission. I got the money, remember. So, call me bitcch again.’

He was silent.

‘That’s smart. Now, Jacob is Fredrick, right?’

‘The talk about Fredrick is all that clogged your head. No, Jacob is not Fredrick, and I don’t know who the fucck Fredrick is. If you are angry that he conned you, fuccked you and left you foolish, you should the drop the idea of getting to Jacob because you’ll be dead. And I can assure you, since Fredrick ordered the guys not to kill you, as against the Services I paid for, as against the instruction that Jacob issued, then he’s probably dead by now.’

‘So, he was never killed when they got my money.’

‘No. But he would be dead by now. For not following Jacob’s instruction.’

‘You’re lying, right?’

‘Fucck you Kate.’

‘My name is Rosa.’

‘Of course, we already know that. Rosa, the prostitute with a kid.’

‘What? You know about David?’

‘Oh, so, his name is David- now we know.’ He smiled at me through the front mirror.

‘Stop the car.’

‘Are you serious?’

‘Stop the fuckin car!’ I shouted and he slammed on the breaks.

‘What now?’ He chuckled. ‘So, you are not so tough, after all, ugh?’

‘If you touch my kid…’

‘Well, if Jacob does, that’s you and Jacob’s problem. But I only paid for you and not your kid. But you probably talked too much to the Fredrick guy.’

‘If you touch my…’

‘You are not listening, are you? Listen, let me go. Take the money, get to Mexico. Get your kids and be invisible.’

‘Oh, I would never be. You already know I was trying to get to Mexico.’

‘What the fucck do you want?’ Harry shouted angrily.

‘Take me to Jacob. I need to be sure that I am safe.’

‘I can tell you want you want to know. No, if you go to Jacob now, you can never be safe- even if you escaped unhurt.’

‘I am willing to take that chance.’

‘Okay then,’ Harry started the car, ‘to Jacob, it is.’

He drove within the city until we were out of it. We went through an untarred road for a rather long journey until we emerged at a lone building. Harry stopped the car.

“Here we are. Jacob’s.’

‘This is the place?’

‘You heard me. Can I leave now?’

‘No, I need you to get me in and out, safely. Just need to be sure that my family is safe.’

‘Jacob is a psychopath. If you tell him that’s what you want, he will make you suffer for it, and you won’t even have it. Do not forget, words already reached him, what you do to his guys.’

‘Get out, Harry.’ I said.

I held him by the collar and dragged him towards the place. I was behind him, gun tugged at his back.

‘You should know this, you just killed yourself.’

‘You wish.’ I said and pushed him along.

Immediately the guards saw us from afar, they rushed over and aimed at us.

‘Stay back!’ I shouted. ‘I just want to meet with your boss.’

‘Well, Ma’am,’ one of the guys who held his gun at us said, ‘you are holding him.’

‘Harry? No, I wanted Jacob.’

‘That is Jacob, you bittch.’ The other one said.

Harry chuckled, wickedly. ‘I gave you a chance, didn’t I?’

‘You are Jacob?’

‘I am everyone, Kate. I am Jacob. I am Escobar!’

‘But, Pete said…’

‘Pete was a hired gun. He only knows as much as he was told. Now, you see that?’ Harry said.

‘What? See what?’

‘That.’ He pointed to the red dot on my shoulder. ‘My sniper got you already, you might want to let go.’

I looked around and couldn’t see the sniper. But the target was right on me. I dropped my gun, knelt and raised my hand.

‘You can come out now.’ Harry said as he readjusted his shirt.

One of the guys came out, smiling. He had a small device in his hands. He gave it to Harry. Harry smiled and turned to me.

‘See, you are not smart after all. This is what got you.’

He blinked the small device all over me. It wasn’t a sniper. I was devastated. The guys laughed at me.

‘Seize her.’ Jacob ordered. Or was is Harry? ‘Put her in the cell.’

‘Boss, are you serious? You forgot what she can do?’

‘No, I know what she can do. If she tries anything, shoot her. But for her sake, I hope she would behave- I need her to see something before she died.’


end of 20

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CHAPTER 19: WHO AM I?

Chapter 19

I got dragged on the cold ceramic tiles- still feigned unconsciousness. Escobar and Pete (the name of the leader), talked on. I hit my head against something, a furniture, maybe. The pain rang through my spines and twitched. Pete dropped me immediately.

‘I think she’s awake!’ He said. Sounded scared.

‘She is?’ Harry asked.

‘Yeah. I think she moved. Just now.’

‘You think?’

‘Hey, guy, listen. You can’t just treat me like I am a fool. I know what I saw.’

‘So, you did see her move?’ Harry asked.

I knew that voice. When Harry wants to mock you, he does that.

‘I didn’t see her move. Okay? I was dragging her like this,’ at this time, I opened my eyes slightly, just in time to see him demonstrate, ‘and suddenly, he leg moved in my hand.’ He bared his palm.

‘Listen, dude…'

‘Pete. My name is Pete. Stop calling me dude.’

I hired your boss, Jacob, who hired you. So, to you, dude, I am the boss of your boss. So, shut your fucck up and drag that bittch along.’

There was silence. Pete obeyed and came back for my feet. I was dragged along. My brain was searching frantically for answers. Harry was dead- how could he be alive? Dave killed him, dissolved him and he was never found. But as much as I tried to arrange how the pictures could tell a story, there was always a missing reel. After some seconds, I opened my eyes a little bit and saw the two guys, obliviously strolling away, with me, trailing behind. My eyes quickly scanned the area, and right in front of me, lay a dead guy with a gun beside him.

I was dragged along the way of the dead body, my prayers were answered. What I need to do is grab the gun and shoot down the idiot. First, it must be Pete, then Harry, in his leg- I needed answers from him. I got my hand ready as I was near to the dead body. Pete passed the dead body and trailed me along- my eyes on the gun. As soon as I was about to reach the gun…
‘Stop!’ Harry said.

I quickly closed my eyes.

‘What?’ Pete said and dropped my feet.

With a squinted eye, I saw Harry come towards the dead body and retrieved the gun.

‘You saw what she did back there, didn’t you? Did you, for once, think that she might be pretending?’

‘I knocked her real good. She should be dead.’ Pete said and moved towards me. He kicked me hard by the ribs. I absorbed the pain.

‘Regardless, it’s better to be safe than sorry.’ Harry said and held on to the gun.

I was shattered. My plans went numb. Pete grabbed me by the feet and dragged me along. They both talked on.

‘Why do you want to keep her? We should just kill her.’

‘I want her alive.’ Harry said. ‘I need her to see my face. I need to see how surprised she would be.’

‘I don’t know where the sudden change of heart came from. When you asked us to retrieve the money, you asked us to kill her.’

‘But you didn’t.’

‘I wanted to. Jacob warned me not to.’ Pete replied.

‘Yeah, I understand. She has that effect on everybody.’ Harry smirked.

‘Even you?’

‘Yeah, even me. Until I realised she was fuckin’ one of my friends, Dave.’

‘But, Jacob said it was Dave that saved you, when this bittch wanted you dead.’

‘Dave went for the money. He wanted to kill me for her, back then, but ended up outbidding himself.’

‘You offered him cash?’

‘Not directly. You know, if I die, this bittch is entitled to some cash. So, when I learnt she wanted me dead, I asked to feign dead. But I asked Jose, my lawyer, and Dave, to talk her out of the money. My bank manager collected some, Jose was to collect the other while I left her with peanuts. But Dave got greedy, he killed Jose and made off with the bitch and my remaining money. Jose didn’t get to help me retrieve my money.’

‘Wow! Some plan.’

‘Yeah. So, when Dave helped faked my death, I moved to Mexico. The bank manager sent back my money, but Jose couldn’t- Dave had him killed and escaped with Kate. I didn’t even know that Dave killed Jose, because Dave told me that Kate escaped with the whole cash. I paid him to help me track her down, but Dave was fuckin her in a fuckin small cottage. So, I hired another investigator to investigate Dave. That was when I realised that Dave harboured Kate.’

‘What a puccie!’ Pete said.

‘Yeah, a stupid one too, right?’

‘Yeah.’

‘By the time I would move on Dave, I realised the whole cottage was burnt down. It wasn’t easy…’

‘So, you hired my boss, Jacob.’

‘Yeah. I did.’ Harry said.

‘And he delivered. Jacob never failed.’

‘Unless he lied that you killed the bittch. Seat her the fucck down in the chair and tie her down.’ Harry said.

‘You know, this bitch can kill anyone with her beauty.’
‘True that.’ Harry said.

‘So, my boss just got pussy*whipped. Anybody would, with this dame. I feel like I should have my way too.’ Pete said.

Harry was silent.

‘Hey boss, I said…’

‘I heard what you fuckin said, you retard. The answer is ‘NO’. Don’t fuckin rape her, okay?’

‘That’s bad. I was looking forward to it.’

‘You better look backwards about it. Please, put her on that fuckin chair and…’

‘Tie her! I get you, the first time.’ Pete interjected and grumbled.

I opened my eyes a bit and saw him bending over me to collect me. I got ready. He held my hand and dragged me to his shoulder, such that my head was at his back, and my hands dangled towards his waist. As he took me to the chair, I stretched my fingers to read the gun by his back, but they were short. With his hands tightly wrapped around my waist, I couldn’t have dragged myself to reach the gun, otherwise, he would drop me before I even moved. As he approached the chair, my head searched frantically for a way out- there was none. Except if I would risk going for the gun. But my guts knew it would fail, by 89% possibility.

He got to the chair and turned to face Harry, who was seated, ready for me at the opposite chair.

‘After you’re done with her, can I fucck her?’ He asked.

‘If you can fucck the dead, yeah, you can.’ Harry answered coldly.

‘There’s always a first time. With this one, I wouldn’t mind.’ He said.

As he was about to put me on the chair, my plan was to try do something- anything to distract him. Maybe, I could escape. Pete was huge, I wouldn’t have stood a combat with him. As luck would have it, I slipped a bit off his shoulder. He quickly readjusted- just enough for me. I went straight for the gun. Immediately I removed the gun, he realised the danger. He jerked and tried to drop me. Like a mad bittch, I rolled off from his shoulder to his side, cocked the gun and fired straight beneath his chin. All these before I even touched the floor. He fell sideways.

As soon as I touched the floor, I rolled to face Harry and fired sporadically through his direction. I didn’t aim at anything or anyone, but if it killed him, it would be best for me. But it didn’t. By the time I was clear to see what’s up, Harry had dropped his gun and cowered into his chair. Both his feet up, his hands clamped his head. I stood up slowly.

‘Hello, Harry. You miss me?’ I said as I rose, slowly, still pointing the gun at him.

There was grip on my feet- it was the dying Pete. I didn’t think twice, I fired twice to his head. His grip loosened. Harry tried to use the time to go for his gun, I fired two shots into the air. He went back to his cowering position.

‘Don’t even think about it.’ I said and moved over to him. ‘Now, you’re gonna take me to Jacob.’ I raised his big hat with the muzzle of my gun. ‘Or, it is Fredrick, now?’

END OF 19

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CHAPTER 18: WHO AM I?

CHAPTER 18

The first thing that caught my eye was my car- parked, slightly dented. The boot was slightly opened. I glanced around to be sure that I was alone, where I ducked. When I was satisfied, I tiptoed my way around the large acre of land, being an old occupant, it was easy to avoid being spotted. Surprisingly, the whole place wasn’t as unkempt as I expected it to be. I wondered but not worried. What I needed is my money, and I won’t leave until I have it.

Rest in peace, Fredrick, I told myself as I slipped through the back door. I tiptoed and segued within the rooms until I began to hear voices. My mind raced faster and I began to shake. Regardless, I moved on. No one guided the hallways. I avoided the voices and went straight to the living room. The voices trailed away until I emerged at the living room. It was empty, dusty and as expected, old. If Harry was alive, he would have changed the furniture.

I haven’t arrived at my destination, my destination was the bar; situated at the right corner of the living room, a place where Harry kept a small safe that housed a Smith and Welson model 686 Magnum. The bullets, a .38 special calibre rounds, live in the same safe, in its cartons. I slipped behind the bar and went straight for the safe. Within seconds, the safe clicked and I opened it. The gun lay there, with the carton of bullets. I loaded up the magnum stuffed in some bullets into my pocket. I cocked it ready.

I made for the ballroom, the place where the voices were coming from. The door was ajar- just enough crack to see what was happening inside. Here they are- three guys and the fuccking leader that that killed Fredrick!

[i]I was mad with rage, I ran inside and started to fire the rounds from my magnum. It was easy taking down the leader- a shot to this head and he fell backwards. Before the other three could realise what hit them, I shot down two. But the third one was faster- he shot me straight at the chest. I fell and started to gasps for breathe. My voice- coarsened- I was dying. I tried to go for my gun, which was a few feet from me, but the guy stepped hard on my hand and faced me with the muzzle of his gun- he pulled his trigger.
[/i]
I came back to my senses. I was still standing by the door to the ballroom. I erased the thought rushing inside and taking down the leader. I would sure be killed, just like I just imagined it. They were drinking and laughing. My money was spread on the table- obviously shared, judging by the clusters of piled wads of cash. I bit my lower lips in anguish. I knew I wouldn’t make it if I tried to run them down. So, I decided to settle for the cash in the cistern in the toilet.

My mind was detached from worrying about why they were in Harry’s mansion- I knew Fredrick would have divulged that before he was killed. Maybe, when I get of Mexico, I may think of revenge, on Escobar. I got to the toilet and I needn’t be told that they already got there. The cistern was already displaced. Nevertheless, I moved towards the cistern and found it empty. I began to sweat- I have gone this far, I would rather die for my money.

I went back downstairs, straight to the ballroom. My intention was clear- if I would die, so be it. This is money, I would get it. I told myself as I descent the stairs. As I approached the ballroom, the voices got louder, as expected. But they were talking about Escobar. When I got the door, I realised that the arrangement was changed. There was a guy, I couldn’t his face, because he sat with his back to the doorway. He was definitely Escobar-he wore a large Mexican hat with a very large cigar. He was puffing out thick smokes. They guys jollied and praised him. He got the largest share, I could see his own share by his side, on the floor.

A dead body, surely Fredrick’s, lay lifeless on the floor. The leader faced the door, I could see him clearly. The other guys, with Escobar, faced me with their back. I couldn’t take this anymore- I need to act fast, and I need a distraction. I raced through my mind for ideas- it was empty. It shouldn’t be. I ran back upstairs, to my old room. I opened the wardrobe- it was as I left everything. I took out my wedding gown and tore out a large, long piece. I went back through the way I came and found myself by the cars, parked by the lot. I opened one of the car’s door and pulled the switch to the fuel door. I was clearly out of sight.

The fuel door popped opened and I put the shredded cloth inside. I ensured it went deeper until the fuel permeates and soaked up the cloth- I left a little as a wick. Even a fool knew what I wanted to do. I added more to the cloth to buy me a time of escape, when I lit up the cloth. As I put the fire to work, I ran back inside, through the way I came- the back door. By the time I got to the back door, the car exploded. I knew they would be destabilized. I made for the ballroom. As I got there, it was empty- Escobar, with one of the guys, was by the window side- watching the fireworks. I knew the other three guy would be outside.

I charged in like a bull and tugged at the trigger- it was a dead aim. The first shot shattered the window glass as I missed Escobar’s head by millimetres. The shattered glass was an alarm for the two, who ducked immediately. I didn’t stop firing. I fired on as they ducked.

‘Who the fucck is that?’ I recognized the leader’s voice.
I ducked by the first concrete column and reloaded. I didn’t answer. I was coked-ready- my eyes on the door. Without warning, the door flung opened and two guys came running in. I fired three shot at the door way, without aim and it caught on of the entrants by the chest and he fell. The second one took cover- he shot sporadically in the air. I squatted and changed position. By this time, bullets were flying at the concrete column from Escobar’s end. But already left the place.

The second entrant ducked by the doorway. He was an idiot- his head was too visible and large enough for a target practice. I aimed properly and took a shot. The door frame stained with blood almost immediately. I ran towards the door way- shooting backwards as a cover without looking back as I made for the door. As I was almost nearer to the door, the third guy came in, aimed ready. I went down immediately on my knees, with the initial speed, I glided on the well ceramic tiled floor, on my knees, towards the door. The guy missed. Before he could say jack, I already go to him- on my knees, my gun to his zipper. I fired.

He went down and I caught him before he got to the floor. I slid to his back and used his dead body as a shield. I was fast enough- Escobar and the other guy was already shooting at me. I exited the ballroom, dropped bleeding dead guy and ran for cover- ready for them. I reloaded. I knew the house, more than any of them. I was sure I would win. I stayed there, ready, but nothing happened- not even a shot was fired. After fifteen minutes of waiting, I decided to leave my hiding place and traced them back inside. I tiptoed back to the ballroom, and I found it empty. The wads of cash was lying there. They must have fled. I told myself.

I walked over the dead bodies and inside the ballroom. My heart missed a beat as I remembered the dead body that lay in the ballroom- Fredrick’s. I dropped my gun and ran towards it. It was lying face down. I cried over it. I wouldn’t mind giving him my last kiss. I turned it over to face me. Then it wasn’t Fredrick! A blow hit me at the back of my neck, almost immediately and I fell flat on the dead body.

‘Looking for me, Cindy?’ I heard the assailant ask.
I was still in pain- eyes closed.

‘Cindy?’ Escobar asked. ‘Her name is Kate.’ He said.

‘Whatever Boss. Jacob said she is Cindy.’

‘Wake her up.’ Escobar said.

I lay there like I truly fainted, eyes closed. But now, I could recognize who Escobar was- the voice, definitely, was Harry’s!

End of 18

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