Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

(Henz got two men to conduct an investigation on the information given to them. After about two weeks, Henz goes to Andy's house to see him and they both talked while taking some wine...)

ANDY : so what did you find out?
HENZ : (puts down his glass of wine and brings some out pictures and documents)....sir, he is a lawyer.
ANDY : a lawyer?
HENZ : yes. And from the information I have here, he's a very stubborn one. He has a wife and two kids.
ANDY : he's stubborn?
HENZ : that's what they found out.
ANDY : hmm..
HENZ : sir for someone as stubborn as they said, I don't think he will want to let go of the money easily....and people like that are usually updated about happenings in government parastatals....
ANDY : what are you applying?
HENZ : ...em....(Sips his drink)...that he may claim that the money was kept in his account just to hide it.
ANDY : how would he know that if someone doesn't tell him?
HENZ : sir....sometimes, these people know more than we think they do...
ANDY : hmm mm....so what do you think we should do?
HENZ : well...to me, if we can hold on to what he treasures most, I don't think he will think twice before returning the money.
ANDY : (thinks for a while)...you are right....(Stands up and walks towards the window, thinking)...if we can get hold of his wife and kids....he will, in no time, return all my money.
HENZ : exactly sir! We shouldn't take chances.
ANDY : (turns around to look at Henz)....do you have someone who can do the job for us?
HENZ : em...I do, if you can pay them well sir....
ANDY : we're talking about a whooping seventy billion naira here....how much can they charge?
HENZ : hmm...I'll get back to you then sir.
ANDY : please do. As soon as possible.
HENZ : alright sir....(Stands up)...I'll be on my way now.
ANDY : okay. I'm expecting to hear from you soon...(Extending a hand shake)
HENZ : bye sir...(He leaves)
ANDY : (laughs at Henz after he left)....he's so eager to get those who will do the dirty job.....good. Let him get the people to do the job, so in case anything goes wrong, he will be held for it, not me...(Takes a glass of wine and sips it)...let him do the dirty job while I stay in the shadow....






(Its Friday, Lekan did not go to work that day, he had spent the day with his wife and had even gone to pick his kids from school himself, instead of allowing the school bus to bring them home.

After lunch, around 5pm, Sola decided to see Lekan off to the airport with the kids, knowing they will miss their father.

They all enter into the car, and Lekan puts his phones beside the gear and they leave for the airport. It’s about an hour drive from their house to the airport and Lekan's flight is for 9pm so they leave the house around 8pm...)

SOLA : Mine...
LEKAN : yes Baby...(driving)
SOLA : make sure you buy kilishi when coming back.
LEKAN : of course. I know that's my ticket to enter back into that house...
SOLA : you know it’s been a while you went to Abuja...
BOLU : Daddy, what are you going to buy for me when you're coming back.
BOLA : Daddy me too...
LEKAN : I'll buy something nice for you two, trust me.
BOLA : Daddy, why can't I go to Abuja with you?
LEKAN : (looks at her briefly)...Angel, because I'm going there to work. Don't worry, one of these days you'll visit Abuja, okay?
BOLA : okay Daddy...(playing with her doll)
LEKAN : (turns to his wife briefly)...sweetheart, I forgot to tell you that the inhaler in the car is almost exhausted, please replace it.
SOLA : alright...(Checking where the inhaler is)
LEKAN : (looking at the road as they get to the highway)...oh my God, I hope this traffic won't be more than this. I have to be in Abuja this night unfailingly.
SOLA : but if you miss this flight, you can get another one.
LEKAN : no, (looking at the road anxiously)...it’s the last flight going to Abuja for today.
SOLA : huh...and tomorrow?
LEKAN : the meeting is for 6am tomorrow morning, when will I leave Lagos and get to Abuja?...before I settle at the hotel, then get going for the meeting, I'll just be late...
SOLA : we should have left earlier then, you know how lagos traffic can be...
LEKAN : I didn't know it’s going to be this heavy....

(After sometime, the traffic is still very heavy, they are still on a spot for about fifteen....)

SOLA : (looking at the time on her wrist watch)...it’s almost 8:30pm.
LEKAN : damn it! My flight is for 9pm and I can't miss it!
SOLA : You have less than 45minutes to be at the airport. Are you sure you can make it?...(Looking at the road)...this traffic is still very heavy.
LEKAN : shit! And there's no other route...
SOLA : let's see, it may move soon…(trying to look ahead)…
LEKAN : they told me the meeting is for 6am, and I have to be there for that meeting. It’s the only meeting we all have before the hearing.
SOLA : or will you take a bike...
LEKAN : they have their limits, they can't take me into the airport directly.
SOLA : I know. I mean, you could take a bike and once you get to where the road is free, you take a cab.
LEKAN : (feeling really anxious)...damn it!
SOLA : can't you call them to tell them you'll be late?
LEKAN : I can't be the one to delay the meeting, don't you know it’s an honor for me to be taking up the case with them? Most of them are SANs.
SOLA : oh....
LEKAN : (looking at the time, he hisses)....I should have gone earlier, damn it!....(Just then he sees a bike passing by and he calls him)...hey!...(Removing his seat belt he turns to his wife)...Baby, I have to use this bike....(Coming out of the car)
SOLA : (looking at the time)...better. It’s almost 8:30pm...(Coming out of the car)....I'll take your bag and your suitcase for you from the booth.
LEKAN : (still calling the bike man)...hey!....(Seeing he didn't hear)
SOLA : he has gone? Maybe he's not the passenger lifting type...(Bringing out his things from the booth)....
LEKAN : (still looking around, he sees another one coming from behind) hey!...(This time around the rider waits and quickly Sola takes his things to him)...alright dear...say bye to the kids for me.
SOLA : alright I will. I love you!
LEKAN : love you too!....(As the bike starts moving)

(Sola enters back into the driver's seat, looking at her wristwatch...)
SOLA : it’s almost 9pm….sweethearts, Daddy couldn't say goodbye because he was in a hurry.
BOLU : okay Mummy.

(The traffic didn't go down till around 10pm, then they started going back home. They got back home around 10:30pm and as Sola parks the car, she wonders why her husband hasn't called her yet...)

SOLA : (looking at the time)...Mine, should have called by now, what's happening?...he didn't even call to tell me if he has gotten to the airport, if he didn't miss his flight or something...(Hisses)....that man, once its work, every other thing skips his mind totally....(She puts on the inner light...) Oh my God! Damn!
BOLU : (seeing his father's phones)...Dad forgot his phones!
SOLA : no wonder! I was wondering why he didn't even call to say anything...oh my God....(Picking up Lekan's phones)...Bolu, Bola get down let's go inside.
BOLA : mummy, how will daddy call us?....(Picking up her doll)
SOLA : (looks at Bola behind)...Daddy will call me somehow, don't worry...(Starts removing her seat belt)
BOLU : can we go back to the airport? Daddy may still be there.
SOLA : I don't think so...(Let's go inside)....




(Sola waits patiently for her husband's phone call and around 11:25pm she receives a call....)

SOLA : hello?
CALLER : honey I forgot all my phones.
SOLA : oh thank God you're there safely...yes your phones, we saw it only after we got home.
CALLER : you know I was in a hurry, I totally forgot to pick my them up. It was when I got inside the plane that I noticed. I was even about to call and tell you that I made it when I discovered.
SOLA : oh...so, how was your trip?
CALLER : not bad...I just finished checking in now.
SOLA : hope the hotel they got for you is okay?
CALLER : yes its very okay.
SOLA : now I can't call you anyhow...
CALLER : don't worry, I'll be the one to call you, I will get another phone tomorrow but that will be after the meeting.
SOLA : okay dear.
CALLER : that means you can't call, I'll have to be the one calling till I get the phone.
SOLA : alright.
CALLER : when did you get back home?
SOLA : around 10:30pm...that traffic was terrible. I guess it’s because today is Friday.
CALLER : that's true. How are the kids?
SOLA : they've gone to bed. They were tired when we got back so they just took some snacks and went straight to bed.
CALLER : okay. I'll talk to them tomorrow.
SOLA : alright dear.
CALLER : okay, let me go and have some rest.
SOLA : have you eaten anything?
CALLER : I'll order for some snacks here.
SOLA : alright. Take care of you.
CALLER : I will....and less I forget, just switch off my phone.
SOLA : what if people need to get in touch with you?
CALLER : I don't want you acting my secretary....(Laughs)
SOLA : you're not serious, why can't I ...
CALLER : don't mind me. I don't want them to keep disturbing you, 'cause you'll have to start telling them the story of how I forgot my phone at home and all that..... This is what we'll do. Wait till I get another phone from here, before putting it on. Then, you can tell them to call me on the new line for the meantime.
SOLA : okay.
CALLER : I love you.
SOLA : I love you more...




(The following day Lekan went for the meeting. He met some new lawyers and love the new experience totally. Even though they had some few minutes break from the meeting at intervals, he was unable to get a phone. The meeting ended around 8pm and they all return to their hotel very tired.

He got to his hotel room and freshens up. Afterwards he calls his wife....)

LEKAN : hello Babe
RECEIVER : since morning?
LEKAN : I'm so sorry. The meeting ended very late. In fact it ended around 8pm.
RECEIVER : haha...what were you people discussing since morning?
LEKAN : we're trying so that the case doesn't get adjourned for too long, so we’re evaluating all the evidences we have before us. Most of us are based in lagos and you know, coming and going to Lagos will cost too much.
RECEIVER : hmm...hope you're not too tired?
LEKAN : what can I do?
RECEIVER : have you eaten?
LEKAN : I've ordered for something already.
RECEIVER : please make sure you eat well.
LEKAN : alright dear....oh, less I forget, I've not gotten the phone yet.
RECEIVER : I thought as much. Since you finished the meeting late.
LEKAN : yes. I'll see if I can get it tomorrow.
RECEIVER : Sunday? I doubt if any store will be opened.
LEKAN : I don't like the fact that I have to go through the operator before talking to you.
RECEIVER : I understand...if you can't get it tomorrow, Monday is just around the corner...
LEKAN : alright.
RECEIVER : maybe you should just rest tomorrow and then on Monday you get it.
LEKAN : alright dear. If you say so....what about the kids?
RECEIVER : they're in their rooms.
LEKAN : please tell them I'll talk to them when I get the phone, okay.
RECEIVER : okay dear....you should go to bed now.
LEKAN : talk to you tomorrow.




(Meanwhile, Henz is at his house on the phone with Andy...)

HENZ : sir, I've gotten the boys available.
CALLER : okay. What of the address have you gotten the place?
HENZ : yes sir. They're even set already. All we just have to do is to strike.
CALLER : okay. When do you intend doing it?
HENZ : tomorrow sir.
CALLER : tomorrow? Why tomorrow.
HENZ : from our investigation, that's the only day he spends at home with his family. So we take them right in front of him so he knows it’s not a joke.
CALLER : are they going to be on masks?
HENZ : possibly, they are good at what they do so if they need to be on masks, they will.
CALLER : okay.
HENZ : You'll see that by Monday unfailingly, our money...I mean your money will be back.
CALLER : thanks.
HENZ : you're welcome sir.





The Davies' residence is located at a serene part of the city in Tejuola Garden, an Estate made up of four bedroom bungalows. The houses have no fences surrounding them, except for the fence made for the estate as a whole.

It’s around 8pm on Sunday evening, a tinted toyota sienna, drives up to the security gate of the estate demanding to see Barrister Davies and his family. The security men who are not really trained at the job allows them in without further interrogation.

The whole area looks secluded as residents are all in their houses, some preparing for the following day, while others are busy watching the TV. Only the sound of generating sets can be heard everywhere since power has been out as usual.

Sola and the kids are at home. The kids are watching the TV while Sola is on the phone in her bedroom, talking to a friend.

The car pulled up in front of the Davies residence and two men dressed in a shirt and jean each, come down from the toyota sienna and walks towards the doorway. They both had a pistol tucked at their backs in their jeans. One hides around a corner, while the other knocks at the door.

The kids hear a knock at the door and Bolu goes to check who is at the door....)

BOLU : who is that?...(Standing behind the door to listen, just as his father had told him not to be opening the door for strangers without knowing who they are)
STRANGER : (noticed it’s the voice of a little boy) …it’s me....I came to deliver a message for your Daddy.
BOLU : okay let me tell my Mummy...(He goes inside his Mum's room)...mummy someone is at the door.
SOLA : (on the phone)... please let me call you back...(She hangs up and turns to Bolu)..who is it?
BOLU : I think it is a man, he said he came to deliver a message for Daddy.
SOLA : at this time...(Looking at the wall clock)…I'll be right there...(She hangs up, drop her phone inside her back pocket and goes to the door while Bolu goes back to the TV. She opens the door)....hello, can I help you?
STRANGER : em....I have this message for Mr. Lekan....(He drops the carrier with him, he brings out a small pistol from behind, and points it at Sola)
SOLA : (shocked to see the gun)… Jesus!
STRANGER : ssshh....now go inside...(Looking around to be sure no one had seen him, then the other man comes from around the corner and enters into the house with his partner)…
SOLA : (going to hold her kids)...please take whatever you like and go.
STRANGER 1 : shut up! Where's your husband?
SOLA : he's not around.

(The men didn't believe her. They led her into the sitting room as the kids where surprised at seeing a gun they shouted and run to their mother.)
SOLA : its okay dearie...
STRANGER 2 : (turns to little Bola...hey! where's your Daddy?
BOLA : he's not at home...(Holding his mother)
SOLA : please take whatever you what. I've told you my husband is not around.
STRANGER 1 : (looks at his colleague)...go and check everywhere.
STRANGER 2 : okay...(Goes into the house to check. He later came back to tell him that no one was in)
STRANGER 1 : shit!...what do we do now?
STRANGER 2 : follow the instructions of course.
STRANGER 1 : (looks at Sola and the kids)...hey! Oya move...(Pointing his gun at them)
SOLA : (shocked she looks at them)...what? Go where?(Holding her kids)....where are you taking us?
STRANGER 2 : move and stop asking questions! (Trying to push Sola and the kids)
STRANGER 1 : and make sure you compose yourself. If anybody should suspect anything, I will put a bullet through your son's throat...(Puts the gun on Bolu's neck)
SOLA : (she holds Bolu tighter)...sweetheart, let's go...(Taking the kids towards the door)
STRANGER 1 : now, make sure you don't call anyone's attention if not...
STRANGER 2 : now move...!

(Being a big estate, the security in place is not so tight. Although, there's not being cases of any kind of crime reported around this vicinity, most of the occupants are the owners of the bungalows as it was purchased from a mortgage company.

The two strangers move Sola and the kids quietly towards the door and the men lead them into the parked Toyota, without caring about putting off the generator set which is on. It was a space bus and getting inside there are two other men.

Sola became really scared. She wonders what Lekan has gotten himself into this time and wished it does not go beyond dropping a case or so. She and her kids enter into the car.

It’s getting dark and seeing the faces in the car was impossible. She felt that the darkness may give her an opportunity to do something fast. They enter into the car and they start moving. They got to the gate of the estate and got out without the security personnel suspecting anything.

Bola is already crying while Bolu tries to calm her down. Meanwhile Sola tries to comfort her kids at the same time, checking if her phone is intact. She can remember telling her friend earlier that she would call back to she tries to get her phone from her back pocket in order to change it to a silent mode before her friend calls back....)

SOLA : sorry dear. Don't worry, everything will be alright...
(Trying to put her hand into her pocket. While adjusting, one of the men noticed the way she's being moving....)

To be continued...