Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

(Meanwhile, Badru calls Andy to tell him what he just found out…)

BADRU :  hello sir....
RECEIVER : have you been able to find out what's going on with my money?
BADRU : em….there's a problem sir.
RECEIVER : don't tell me my money is missing....
BADRU : I'm afraid so sir, and with the condition surrounding that money sir, we can't report it. We may have to get in touch with the person personally.
RECEIVER : damn it!....
BADRU : I'm really sorry about it sir.
RECEIVER : what exactly happened?
BADRU : the money was transferred to a current account first. Then later to other accounts that are not even with us....
RECEIVER : you mean the bastard transferred all my money to another account.
BADRU : after reactivating the account sir.
RECEIVER : I thought you told me that the person cannot touch it?
BADRU : em....yes sir, but I guess he must have seen the balance when I was incapacitated and used that opportunity to activate the account.
RECEIVER : what then are you waiting for? Transfer it back!
BADRU : that's the problem sir. It’s not possible.
RECEIVER : what do you mean it’s not possible? Is it not my money? Did the fool work for it?
BADRU : sir, it’s not possible because it’s been transferred to a current account and to other accounts outside our bank sir. We can't tamper with it. That's why I don't transfer into current accounts, I use savings.
RECEIVER : so now how do I get my money back?
BADRU : we'll just have to contact the person ourselves.
RECEIVER : Badru, this is not what I bargained for.
BADRU : I know sir. But unforeseen circumstances brought us to this sir.
RECEIVER : how do you want me to get in touch with the person now. How do I know him, how do I get him, how....
BADRU : (cuts in)...sir, it’s a bank remember? We have all his details. I'll get it across to you.
RECEIVER : this is supposed to be your job not mine.
BADRU : sir, I'm still in the hospital and I'm sure you won't want to wait...
RECEIVER : (cuts in)...I can't wait.
BADRU : I'll get you all his details. His number, his address, his picture, everything, so you can get across to him.
RECEIVER : do that immediately.
BADRU : but sir, you know this are information the bank should not be giving out, so please be discreet and don't let it get us into trouble please.
RECEIVER : hmm, I've heard you. I just pray the person co-operates.
BADRU : you can just approach the person calmly sir and strike a deal with him. May be you can offer him something tangible.
RECEIVER : hmm......thanks.





(The following day, Badru sends Andy all the details needed and he went straight to Henz office, to discuss with him first....)

ANDY : I want to be sure it wasn't Badru that is messing around with me. I mean, what if he has sent me the details of a dead man? Who will I claim my money from?
HENZ : (laughs)...sir, let's me see the details...
ANDY : (giving it to him)...here...
HENZ : (collecting the papers)...sir, when I checked the history of that account, I noticed the transfer was made recently so I don't think the man is dead...
ANDY : he had better not.
HENZ : (looking at the information).....so how do you intend going about it sir?
ANDY : oh well....I will approach him personally to give me all my money.
HENZ : (laughs)....that easy? What if he's being spending out of it?
ANDY : that's none of my business. He must provide every kobo!
HENZ : sir...do you want my advice?
ANDY : tell me...
HENZ : put this man in a tight corner, in which he won't be able to refuse you.
ANDY : (thinking)....more like we should put him through a kind of torture?
HENZ : well....anything that can make him do what you want without hesitating.
ANDY : but that will be after talking to him first, don't you think?
HENZ : sir, I don't advise you talk to him first.
ANDY : why?
HENZ : sir, this man transferred all the money without thinking twice, do you think he will want to just let go like that?
ANDY : hmmm...
HENZ : (adjusts on his seat)...sir, if you talk to this guy first, he may escape the country or go somewhere you won't be able to locate him again.
ANDY : hmm....(Nodding)
HENZ : Nigerians are desperate people sir. The situation of this country will make anyone take any kind of measures just to be in affluence.
ANDY : that's true...
HENZ : so I'll advise you take drastic measures that will make him give you your money without thinking twice.
ANDY : I love the way you're thinking....(Adjusts and leans forwards)...so, what measure do you think I should take?
HENZ : let's watch him first. If he's married, he has a wife, he has kids, what does he do?.....
ANDY : okay...
HENZ : then we can know where and when to hit him hard.
ANDY : (nodding)...that's good...
HENZ : if you don't have someone that can do it for you, let me get someone for you. We'll just pay them. We'll get like two guys to watch him and give us info about him...his address is here...(Pointing at the document before him)
ANDY : good. Please do that for me. Make copies of the details and give them....I think I'm really going to like you.
HENZ : (smiles)...after the investigation, we'll know what next to do.
ANDY : alright. Please get to work on time and give me a call.
HENZ : alright sir.





(Afterwards, Andy gets to his house thinking of what he said to Henz...)

ANDY : hmmm....I should let him bring in the people....in case something goes wrong, they won't trace anything to me....(Laughs)...I got someone to do the duty job for me....good...(Sipping his glass of wine)...Henz, Henz....good boy....(Then his mind goes to Badru, he puts down his glass of wine and puts a call through to him...)

ANDY : hello Badru, how are you now?
RECEIVER : fine sir....have you gotten in touch with that man yet?
ANDY : don't bother yourself about that, Henz and I are working on it.
RECEIVER : hmmm.....sir...
ANDY : what is that?
RECEIVER : sir, you have to be careful of him.
ANDY : you mean Henz?
RECEIVER : yes sir. He's having some problems at work right now. Something that has to do with money.
ANDY : really?
RECEIVER : yes sir. He's still at work because he needs to pay up the money he owes.
ANDY : hmm....I see. But how come he attained the post of a bank manager with that?
RECEIVER : oh well, because he's brought so many customers to us, and even at that sir, his counterparts at work are senior managers already. If not for his dubious nature he should have being in a higher position by now.
ANDY : hmm...okay. Thanks for that information, I'll be careful.
RECEIVER : alright sir.
ANDY : take care of yourself....(He hangs up)....hahahaha...(Laughing so hard).....no wonder he has such ideas...but he won't dare play smart with me because I'll show him that I'm not just older than him, I'm also smarter....(He sips his drink)





(The re-union party organized for the old students of Atlantic College was a big one. One of the most expensive hotels in the city was chosen for the event.

The hall was tastefully and beautifully decorated with beautiful colors and flowers. The tables were tagged with a cardboard showing the years in which the students finished from Atlantic College, each set one a side.

The colors of the day were magenta and black.

It party was a dinner and an after party at one of the most prestigious clubs on the island.

The students file in, in their twos, each with his and her partner, though not all their partners are old students of the school.

Bukola came with Lucas, Susan with Stan (Carol's brother), Bibi came with her boyfriend, Andrew came with Ken. Tega with his girlfriend, Anayo with his girlfriend, Amed and her girlfriend are not left out either. They all came looking beautiful and gorgeous.

As they file in their twos, the old male students could not but admire the female students who are now looking more matured and beautiful.

Bukola came in a magenta and black striped short sleeveless gown, made by Dolce and Gabbana, which fitted her body perfectly, accompanied by a black six inch, Carlo open-toe heels. She wore her hair down with curls and a hair pin pulling a side of her hair to the back. With a very simple make up and a tiny gold necklace which has the same pendant as the earring to go with it. She looks ravishing.

Lucas was looking gorgeous with a Paul Smith suit and a Marks and Spencer, magenta colored shirt, a Paul Smith shoe to go with it.

Andrew came early, wearing a black muscle top under a Milway magenta suit and a Pierz trouser, a rolex wristwatch on his left hand and a gold bracelet on his right hand. A Prada shoe to go with it.

Ken is wearing a magenta striped shirt with a black background, accompanied by a fitted Yemlin suit and a Thawt trouser, a swatch wristwatch and a gold plated bracelet. A black Lavini cap-toe ankle shoe to go with it.


They all hug each other feeling so happy seeing each other again after so many years.

Andrew and Ken couldn't but notice Bukola....)

ANDREW : wow...Bukola is still as beautiful as ever.
KEN : yes she is...(Looking at her from a distance)...
ANDREW : unlike some other girls who are now big and fat. She has only added front and back, looking sexier now.
KEN : I've noticed that too.
ANDREW : I wonder why she came with Luc.
KEN : I heard they were admitted into the same university in the UK, maybe that's why…or do you think they are dating?
ANDREW : I don’t think so…Bukola should have a better taste than that…
KEN : I hope they are not…
ANDREW : she looks so wow....
KEN : yeah and I'm going after her.
ANDREW : (surprised, he turns to look at him)...again!
KEN : of course....are you surprised?
ANDREW : why would you want to go after her again, after how many years?
KEN : oh well...I didn't get to date her then so its normal for me to go after her now.
ANDREW : she didn't like you then, what's the probability she will now?
KEN : because now I'm older and more handsome. And I run things now.
ANDREW : just because you now work in your Mum's company doesn't mean you run things. These girls need a guy that will give them trips.
KEN : (laughs).....so who says I can't give her trips?
ANDREW : while working?
KEN : the job doesn't stop me. As you already know, the company is Mum's so I can come in and out any time.
ANDREW : hmmm....(Stands up, walking away from him)...
KEN : where to?
ANDREW : watch and see…
KEN : oh…(wondering where Andrew is going to)

(To Ken”s surprise, Andrew walks up to Bukola)
ANDREW : ....hi Bukola...
BUKOLA : (turns to look at Andrew)...oh...hi...Andrew, right?
ANDREW : yeah...good to know that you still remember my name.
BUKOLA : why won't I? Is it not you...

(Seeing where Andrew had gone, Ken decided to join them…)
KEN : hi Bukola...
BUKOLA : hi.....Ken....(Looks at both of them)...the duo....good to see that both of you are still together, just like before.
ANDREW : oh well....(Tries to change the topic)....so how are you doing?
BUKOLA : not bad...
KEN : I heard you studied law...
BUKOLA : yeah, I'm still in law school now.
KEN : wow...my Dad's got some friends there, I tell you....
ANDREW : (cuts in)....did I tell you, you look extremely beautiful tonight?
BUKOLA : (smiles)...thanks.
KEN : actually, you're the most beautiful Babe here tonight.
BUKOLA : thanks Ken.
ANDREW : how's your Mum? I really missed her in school.
BUKOLA : (laughs)...yeah right!
ANDREW : but that's the truth.
BUKOLA : okay, she's fine....
ANDREW : will you be staying for the after-party?
BUKOLA : erm...yes. I really need to catch up with old friends.
ANDREW : then I can give you a ride to the club...or did you bring a car?
BUKOLA : oh...thanks but don't bother, my date will take me...

(Lucas who still has eyes for Bukola saw those who had walked up to her and decided to join them)

LUCAS : Bukola....(Then he acts like he had just noticed Ken and Andrew)....oh you guys are here...
KEN : yeah...
LUCAS : good to see you guys...(Giving them a hand shake)....Bukola, Suz just arrived.
BUKOLA : oh really where's she?
LUCAS : (pointing)...she's over there..
BUKOLA : excuse me guys...(Hurries to where Susan is)
LUCAS : excuse me...(about leaving with Bukola but he feels a hand on his shoulder, pulling him from leaving)
ANDREW : hey....(Pulling Lucas back)...wait a minute...
LUCAS : (turns to look at Andrew)...yep?
ANDREW : (smiling)...I can see you came with her...
LUCAS : yes.
ANDREW : so what's going on between you two?
LUCAS : how's that any of your business?
ANDREW : (laughs)...hmm...I can see you've grown up.
KEN : I can see that too...
LUCAS : of course I have. You think I'm still the timid Lucas of secondary school? Hell no...anyway, excuse me...(Leaves for Susan's corner without paying any attention to them)
ANDREW : that boy is beginning to have some guts don't you think?
KEN : you can say that again...

(Meanwhile Susan shows up with a very sexy versace black gown, though long but back-less. It has an alter-neck, which exposes almost all her back, showing a finely tanned fair beautiful spotless skin. With her hips all coming out and swaying in the gown Susan looks really beautiful, she wore a five inch Jildor high heeled silver shoe while Stan comes in a Armani Collezioni complete Suit, a voyage d'herme cologne and Balenciaga cap-toe ankle boots, looking really exotic.

Bukola embraces Susan as they have missed each other...)

BUKOLA : (hugging her)...wow, you're looking really good dear…
SUSAN : you too girl...(Looking at her all over)...you look younger...
BUKOLA : oh thanks!...I've really missed you...
SUSAN : I've missed you too....(Remembers Stan is standing beside her)...oh here is Stan, my date. He's also my boyfriend...(Turns to Stan)...Stan here's Bukola one of my best friends in high school.
BUKOLA : nice to meet you...
STAN : nice to meet you too.
BUKOLA : come let's go to my table.
SUSAN : okay...(Turns to Stan)...let's go dear...(Looking around)...wow, everyone is here...isn't that Ken and Andrew...
BUKOLA : yes dear. Almost everyone is here.
SUSAN : (walking to the table)....I've missed you all...hey, what of Bibi?
BUKOLA : I guess she's still on the way.
SUSAN : are you sure she's coming?
BUKOLA : yeah. She confirmed her attendance.
SUSAN : oh...I only got to see her once when I went to New-York. She came there to shop.
BUKOLA : yeah she told me.

(Then Lucas comes to join them and they introduced him to Stan)...
SUSAN : Lucas, I can see your friends are here...you guys came together?
LUCAS : oh no, I came with Bukola.
SUSAN : (surprised, she looks at Bukola)...hmm mm…
BUKOLA : hey...(shaking her head)...I know what you're thinking but we're just friends. We went to the same University remember...
SUSAN : oh that's true...

(As they were talking Tega and Anayo came over with their girlfriends and they all hug each other and did the necessary introduction...)
SUSAN : wow…Anayo, you’ve really cut down on your size….
ANAYO : oh well…that’s part of what you do when you’re growing up…
BUKOLA : Anayo...have you heard anything from Jide?
ANAYO : Jide?....(surprised she’s asking him)…at all. The last thing I heard was that, he had being transferred to the maximum prison.
TEGA : seriously I still don't believe all that story. I'm sure something went wrong somewhere...

(Susan started winking at them to stop but they didn't get the message)

BUKOLA : I really want to see him.
TEGA : you didn't see him too?
BUKOLA : I didn't. Mum didn't allow me. But now that I'm back I will definitely look for him.
TEGA : let's all go together...(Looking at Anayo)...
ANAYO : em...yeah...(trying not to sound uninterested)
BUKOLA : and you Susan...(She noticed her face)...why? I thought you also believe Jide couldn't have killed Carol...
STAN : (cuts in)...wait...are you guys talking about the Bastard that killed my Sister?

(They were all dumbfounded)

BUKOLA : em...(Looks at Susan)...he's Carol's brother?
(Susan Nods)
SUSAN : sorry I didn't tell you guys...but em....you know what guys, let's not spoil the fun we came to have today, okay...
BUKOLA : yeah...(With a fake smile)...okay...we'll talk about that later.
SUSAN : yeah...(Seeing Bibi coming)...oh look at Bibi...

(The re-union party continued and afterwards, they all went for the after-party at the club. Andrew and Ken did not stop hitting on Bukola.

The party went on fine, though, Stan has not really being himself since he heard them talking about Jide and Carol's death. Bukola noticed and pulls Susan to a corner to discuss with her...)

BUKOLA : Susan...I noticed your boyfriend has not being himself since we talked about Jide...
SUSAN : yes I noticed too.
BUKOLA : why not talk to him. Tell him why we did. Tell him the kind of person Jide is and all that you heard about the party. We have to help Jide if he's innocent.
SUSAN : I understand. The thing is, Stan and I have always avoided Carol's issue ever since we became friends. It was a topic we avoided totally. I'm sure the pain is still there.
BUKOLA : I understand you...but find time to talk to him. Make him understand, please. We all left Jide when he needed us most. And that shouldn't be, because he helped us when we needed him in school, but when he got into trouble we all ran away.
SUSAN : I'll talk to him.
BUKOLA : I just want to finish from Law school before getting into his case. I don't know if he was sentenced and for how many years, but we can appeal, whatever the case may be...so please explain things to him.
SUSAN : okay. I will.
BUKOLA : thanks dear.




(When Susan and Stan were on their way home, she brings up Jide's issue again...)

SUSAN : Stan dear...(Turning to look at him)
STAN : hmm?
SUSAN : you've not being yourself since my friends talked about your sister...
STAN : but of course...hearing you guys talking about that bastard like that…it’s annoying.
SUSAN : sweetheart...you know I've never brought up that issue with you ever before now....it’s because I don't know how you'll feel talking about it.
STAN : Suz, it’s my sister we're talking about here remember, and you guys were talking about her killer like he's a saint...
SUSAN : Stanley that's because we know Jide and we believe something went wrong somewhere.
STAN : how do you mean?...(giving her a stern look)…Were you at the party?
SUSAN : no I wasn't. But from what we heard from those who went for the party, we believe there may be a misunderstanding somewhere.
STAN : misunderstanding?...(Seeming interested)
SUSAN : yes...look...maybe we'll discuss it some other time...let's just go home.
STAN : hmm.


To be continued....