Many journalists angled to get a better or a political job. Although working for I-News was very rewarding, compared with the working conditions of other print media outfits, Ayo would not mind moving up the ladder to a much higher level. In Nigeria, the competition was really stiff and better opportunities came sparingly. Now that he had the opportunity - a case which could be once in a life time - he would not allow the opportunity to slip by, even if Idowu wanted him to swear before a shrine!

He decided he would not tell any colleague or associate yet about the new job that awaited him. He soon left his office. As he drove home, his mind refused to stop ruminating over his conversation with Idowu. The new job meant he would relocate from Lagos to the Nigeria's capital city, Abuja. While Abuja was the administrative capital, Lagos remained the commercial nerve center of the nation.

He thought of calling Ore and asking her to meet him at the Venusia Hotel, but decided against it. It was already few minutes to eight in the evening and he didn't really want to get home to his family late. No, he would go home early and be a good family man tonight. He stopped at the Lacosa stores to buy some drinks. He had not got the job yet, but he was already in the mood for celebrations.

It was few minutes after eight when he got home. Their three-bedroom apartment was one of the four flats in the one-storey building. His two children were watching movies on the television while his wife was in the kitchen.

'Hello, children.'

'Daddy, welcome,' they chorused. He patted them on the head, put the nylon containing what he just bought on the center table and
went to the cooking room to meet his wife.


'Hi, darling.' He went over to her and gave her a peck.

She was pleasantly surprised to see him. 'You're early today.'

He smiled. 'Yes, it happens like that once in a while.' He sniffed the air. 'So, what're you cooking?'

'Our favorite.' By that, she meant fried rice, fried plantation and fried chicken. He had earlier taken rice but wouldn't mind taking it again.

He smiled easily. 'The aroma of this place is so tantalizing.' He stayed with her in the kitchen until she finished the cooking. To Mandy,
his wife, he was a perfect husband any lady should pray for. She never had an inkling of any infidelity on his part and always saw him as a
model husband.

It was when they were about to go to bed that he told her about the job offer Idowu discussed with him. He told her he would accept the job and was only waiting for the message from the Minister. However, he didn't mention the aspect of taking a personal oath of allegiance.

'That means there will be relocation to Abuja?'

'Definitely. Abuja is where all government ministries have their headquarters.'

Mandy changed into a nightwear. 'So, what happens to us - the children and I?'

Ayo had not thought about that. His wife worked in Lagos as a teacher in a highbrow secondary school. Would he have to move all his
family members to Abuja? If he should do that, it would mean that she would lose the job and start job-hunting again. That would not be an easy thing to do as Nigeria had a bustling labor market.

He chuckled. 'I've not even thought of that at all.' He noticed that his wife did not really display enthusiasm about the new 'job'.

'Anyway, we'll see how things turn out to be.' He shrugged it off. He decided that whether his family would follow him or not, he would
take the government 'job'.

The following morning which was a Sunday, Ayo found his mind going to the 'Abuja affair' even as he and members of his family prepared for church service. In the church, his mind was going off and on. He barely made much meaning from the preaching of the pastor.

When it was four o'clock, he told his wife he wanted to tidy up some work in the office.

'I might come back late. Don't you worry if I am late.'

Mandy looked a bit anxiously. 'You're not starting the new work tomorrow, are you?'

He grinned. 'Of course, no. All the same, I really should start putting some things in order now. The new job may start sooner than I

expect.' He gave her a peck and left the house. He drove to the office and did some work until it was some minutes to nine when he left for Idowu's house.

Thanks for the update

Ayo want to dinne with the devil he should use a long spoon. Thanks for the update.

He want to sell his soul to the devil I am sure his oga is guy too so he will use his rod to disfigure his yansh seriously Ayo don enta one chance

He grinned. 'Of course, no. All the same, I really should start putting some things in order now. The new job may start sooner than I expect.'

He gave her a peck and left the house. He drove to the office and did some work until it was some minutes to nine when he left for Idowu's house.

He entered the man's luxurious sitting-room few minutes to ten. He was asked to wait for his host. Few minutes after, Alfred Idowu came down to meet him.

'The honorable Special Assistant!' Idowu was full of smile as he greeted him.

Ayo found the statement jocund. 'Good evening, sir.' The two men shook hands.

'I can see you were punctual.' Idowu nodded. 'That's good. I hope you'll continue to take every other thing with equal zeal.' He paused to
regard Ayo. 'Now, let's not waste time. Please, this way.'

Ayo followed him upstairs. They went to the last room down the corridor. Idowu brought out a key and gingerly opened the door. He stepped
in and gestured Ayo to do the same. As soon as Ayo entered the place, Idowu bolted the door. What Ayo saw amazed him. The wall was
painted red. Even the carpet on the floor was red. There were certain fetish objects hanging from the ceiling. There was something dreadful
about the place. It reminded him of some shrines in the homemade movies he had watched.

But this was certainly not a scene of a movie. It was s scene of stark reality. Involuntarily, Ayo shuddered. The eerie atmosphere was unnerving. So, the highly intelligent and intellectual man could engage in something like this; something so fetish and out of place!

'Here we are.' Idowu smiled as he watched the surprise on Ayo's face. The latter nodded dumbly.

Idowu removed an idol from a corner of the room and placed it on a red stool. He held the right side of the idol and instructed Ayo to hold the left side.

Then, the oath commenced. Ayo vowed allegiance to his benefactor, in joy or in pain. He swore never to betray the man. He added that if he
ever went against his words or engage in treachery, woe should betide him.

The next morning, Ayo was in the office to do some work. Though he had been assured that he would get the new job, he would still diligently
carry on with his present job. He went through news reports and did some editing. Then, he updated the on-line version. By few minutes to ten, reporters and news correspondents were filing in the latest news stories. His cell telephone rang. He picked it almost immediately.

'Hello?'

'Hello.' It was a mature female voice. 'Is that Mr. Ayo Ariyo?'

'Yes, please.'

'Please, hold on for your caller.'

There were seconds of pause. Ayo wondered who the caller was.

'Hello?' The guttural voice was unmistakably a man's own. 'Is that Ayo Ariyo?'

'Yes, sir. Who am I speaking with, please?'

'I'm Chief, Doctor John Kolly, the Honorable Minister of Communications and IT of Federal Republic of Nigeria.'

Even across the line, Ayo could perceive arrogance, conceit, and imperiousness.

Hmmmm this oath thing ehn....

Thanks for the update

Even across the line, Ayo could perceive arrogance, conceit, and imperiousness.

'Good morning, sir.'

'Yeah. My good friend, your oga, must have told you about me, is that not so?'

'Yes, sir. He has, sir.'

'Very good. When are you starting the work?'

'As soon as you want me to, sir. I can start any time you want me to start.'

'Very good.' There was a long pause. 'You're to start tomorrow morning. By nine in the morning, be in my office here in Abuja.'

'Yes ... yes, sir.'

The Minister disconnected the line. Ayo whistled to himself.


'Wow!' He stood up from his seat. Things were moving faster than he had envisaged. He would have to go to Mr. Idowu's office to intimate
the boss of the latest development. He picked up his phone and moved towards the glass door of the cubicle office. Before he got to it, Kola, the assistant editor who worked with him came inside.

Kola was all smiles. 'Congratulations, Mr. Ayo Ariyo.'

Ayo was surprised.

'Yes, Mr. Idowu called me to his office some minutes ago. He told me you'll soon be on your way to Abuja for a political appointment. You're
to handover to me. Aren't you lucky?'


'So, you know already?' The surprise was still on Ayo's face.

'Yes, I know.' Kola shook his hand. 'Congratulations, brother. I'm happy for you.'

'Thank you.' Ayo felt elated. Who would not?

Things appeared to move very fast the rest of that day. After he was through with the handover, he went to Idowu's office to thank the man
for all he had done. His secretary said he had gone out for an engagement. Ayo then called his number.

'Good day, sir. I want to thank you sir for everything. I've already handed over to Kola. I want to go home now and prepare myself for the
trip to Abuja. I really thank you, sir.'

Idowu laughed over the line. 'Don't mention. You just don't forget our deal.'

'I'll never forget, sir. Thank you, sir.'

Next, he called his wife. 'Darling, I've got a call from the Minister I told you about I told you about. He says I'm to resume in Abuja tomorrow
morning.' He felt he should demonstrate his surprise at the urgency. 'Can you imagine that? The Minister wants me to resume work tomorrow
morning by nine. That means I'll have to take an evening flight to Abuja today.'

'Congratulations, darling.' Mandy tried to sound excited. 'Where are you now?'

'I'm on my way home. I'll need to pack some things.'

'Of course. I'll take permission to close early so that we'll see before you depart.'

'Yeah, that will be alright. See you then.'

Thanks for the update

Next, he called his wife. 'Darling, I've got a call from the Minister I told you about I told you about. He says I'm to resume in Abuja tomorrow morning.' He felt he should demonstrate his surprise at the urgency. 'Can you imagine that? The Minister wants me to resume work tomorrow morning by nine. That means I'll have to take an evening flight to Abuja today.'

'Congratulations, darling.' Mandy tried to sound excited. 'Where are you now?'

'I'm on my way home. I'll need to pack some things.'

'Of course. I'll take permission to close early so that we'll see before you depart.'

'Yeah, that will be alright. See you then.'



Pastor Raymond Olufemi was in his office reading the Holy Bible. He was writing a book titled The Resilience of a Nation. As usual, there would be copious Bible verses to drive home his points. There was a tap on his door. Titi, his P.A came.

'Sorry to disturb you, sir, but there are two men who want to see you.'

Raymond looked up slowly from his reading. 'This is not the scheduled time I should receive visitors, my dear lady.'


Titi grinned apologetically. 'I know, sir. They said they're from Bureau of State Security and it's urgent that they must see you.'

Raymond became alert. The Bureau of State Security (BoSS) was the government agency for internal security, just like what the FBI was to
the U.S.A. He knew that for the agents to be around, it must be for exigent reasons.

'Alright. Tell them to come in'

Titi nodded and left the office. Soon, two men in dark suits entered the office.

Raymond offered them his handshake and pointed at chairs for them.

'I'm Jimmie,' the taller man said. He brought his ID card and briefly showed Raymond. 'My colleague is Dada.'

Raymond nodded. 'You're welcome. How may I help you?'

Jimmie cleared his throat. 'Pastor, we have come to clarify some issues. In your sermon yesterday, you said any government that does not
satisfy its citizens must be ready to face the wrath of God. Can you please shed more light on this?'

Raymond smiled briefly. He was not surprised that the government had sent security operatives after him as a result of the fiery sermon he
gave during the last Sunday service. It was not the first time operatives of BoSS would be his guests. He wondered why government should
become jittery over what was meant to be message of advice.

'Well, gentleman, I hope you really got the main messages of the sermon. It was to charge government to wake up to its responsibility.
Government has the duty of providing basic amenities for her citizens. When leaders are taking oath of office, they are swearing to serve the
people. Therefore, any failure to deliver what they had promised to do, would amount to betrayal of the trust reposed in them.

'God will not be happy with such leaders. God expects human beings to keep to their words. That's why Jesus said let your yes be yes, and
your no to be no. He will hold us accountable to our words, actions or inactions. Therefore, I'll say it again that any government that fails to live
up to its expectations will face the wrath of God.'

The two men were silent for some seconds. Dada scratched his chin slightly. 'And don't you think, pastor, that a sermon or a statement like
that from you can constitute security threat?'

Raymond chuckled. 'In what way can it constitute security threat?'

Jimmie seemed ready to tackle that. 'Sir, you are a well respected man in the society. You have a lot of followers and authority. Don't you
think your words can instigate people to act after you have undermined the government?'

Raymond smiled and relaxed on the chair. If these two men think they could ruffle him, they were making a mistake. But he understood
them. They were only doing their job.

'No one is undermining the government.' He lifted the Bible up. 'This is the book of life. It is my duty to preach it and to say things the way
they should be said, without fear or favour.'

Raymond calmly went on to tell them that all he was doing was to urge government to spring into action. If government embarked on good
policies, it would be to its advantages. They asked him few more questions and rose up to go.

'Thank you, sir for your time.' Jimmie adjusted his tie. 'That will be all for now.'

Raymond stood up too. 'Gentlemen, you're welcome. I pray the good Lord will direct the affairs of our nation such that things will be rosy for
both the leaders and the led in Jesus name.'

Without zeal, the men mumbled Amen and left.




The last flight of Afresh airline would leave Lagos for Abuja by six p.m. Afresh was a reliable local airline that Ayo preferred to travel with. He
decided to leave home by half past four o' clock. Mandy wanted to drive him to the airport, but he insisted on taking a cab.

thanks for d update....

The last flight of Afresh airline would leave Lagos for Abuja by six p.m. Afresh was a reliable local airline that Ayo preferred to travel with. He decided to leave home by half past four o' clock. Mandy wanted to drive him to the airport, but he insisted on taking a cab.

He had told his wife that barring any change, he would be coming home every weekend to be with his family. Of course, he would always call her on the phone unfailingly.

'Be careful over there.' Mandy tried to curtail her anxiety. She never liked politics or anything political and had never hidden her disdain.
Before now, she hardly engaged in political discussions with him, despite the fact that he was a political journalist. Now that his appointment
was 'purely political', as she put it, she had a lot of reservations.

He smiled to dispel her fear. 'You don't worry my dear. I'm not a politician and neither am I going to join politics. I'm only going there to be
an assistant to the Minister.'

'All the same, be careful.'

He kissed her good bye and left the house. She only drove him to the main road where he would get a cab. The cab he got was a new one,
one of those distributed by the Lagos government in partnership with private operators.

The driver talked a lot. He praised the efforts of the state government in trying to make things better for the people, but slammed the central
government for its lackadaisical attitude towards development affairs. Ayo listened to him without saying much. To the driver, the taciturnity of
his passenger might mean he was apolitical.

Thankfully there was no serious traffic hold-up. Lagos had one of the worst traffic in the world. Ayo got to the local wing of the airport several
minutes before his flight. He went to Afresh airline office to buy his one-way ticket to Abuja. He then went to the Departure lounge and awaited
when the announcement of his flight would be made.

About fifteen minutes to the take-off time, the announcement came that the prospective passengers on his flight should proceed to the
tarmac. He joined the other passengers and proceeded to where the plane was waiting. The flight was smooth. By six fifty p.m. he
disembarked from the plane at its destination. He took one of the green cabs from the airport to Sashi district. There was a modest hotel there.
He knew he still had to keep a low profile for now. He then called Mandy to intimate her of his safe arrival in the city.

Tuesday morning, as early as seven o 'clock, he was already dressed for office. His grey suit was well fitted and he looked ready for serious
business. He looked and smelled good. Clutching his brief case, he left the hotel room to take a cab to the central district, where most of the
ministries had their head offices.

The right wing of the expansive building complex of Block C was where the honorable Minister of Communications and IT had his office. The
secretary welcomed Ayo with a smile as soon as he introduced himself.

'You're already on the appointment list.' She motioned him to a seat. 'Your appointment says nine o'clock. You're a bit early.'

He nodded as he checked his watch. It was just about twenty minutes past eight o' clock. He shrugged as he took his seat to await the
Minister. The man did not come until ten o clock. By them, more than six people were waiting to see him.

It was obvious the man was not eager to attend to Ayo. He only called the latter in after he had attended to three visitors. Finally, Ayo
breathed in sigh of relief when he was called inside the Minister's very expansive and comfortable office.

The man looked up from where he sat majestically. 'Mr. Ayo Ariyo? It's a pleasure to meet you.' There was a warm handshake.

'The pleasure is mine, sir.' Ayo bowed slightly. The man asked him to take a seat.

'Thank you, sir.' Ayo sank into one of the luxurious, well-padded seats. He stared straight into the eyes of the man and studied him. The
Minister, Chief, Doctor John Kolly, as he loved to be addressed, was a man of the world. He was a career politician who had long ago jettisoned
his original profession which was architecture. He was slightly taller than the average height but had a robust stature and rotund stomach. His
dark, stern face portrayed that he was a man who would not take nonsense from anybody. Ayo was however quick to discover that the man had
a friendly disposition.

Nice update.

Thanks for the update

Nice story sir

dawno2008:
Nice story sir

Thank you very much.

His dark, stern face portrayed that he was a man who would not take nonsense from anybody. Ayo was however quick to discover that the man had a friendly disposition.

'How was your flight?'

Ayo smiled slightly. ‘It was smooth, sir. I arrived yesterday evening.'

'Really?' The Minister genuinely looked surprised. 'That meant you lodged in a hotel, right?' He paused as Ayo nodded. 'You should have called
me that yesterday. There's a guest house you could have lodged in. It is that guess house you will stay pending the time you will get your official residence.'

The man went on to ask Ayo about his family and when he planned to bring them to Abuja. Ayo answered that they were all fine and he preferred that they should remain where they were for now.

Chief Kolly nodded. 'Now, to business. I believe that as a seasoned journalist you know the briefings of a special assistant on mass and social
media. My good friend, Alfred, who recommended you, gave a brilliant picture of your achievement as a political editor.'

Ayo sighed, nodded but uttered no word.

Kolly studied his younger companion and continued. 'I will always need good and quality advice from you. In this age, the media play a lot of
significant role. The social media are becoming major players too. You will need to understudy the dynamics of these media and use them
maximally to my advantages.'

Ayo nodded as he noted the self-emphasis of the man.

Kolly continued: 'But, I must say this. You're also going to be my political adviser. Your boss, er former boss, says you are adept in political
analysis. You need to study the political terrain more.

'Specifically, you need to study the complexities of our political system and the antics of our political opponents. You will be giving me tactics
on how to successfully overcome the challenges and be ahead of my political adversaries. Even within our party, there are intrigues, bickering
and high-level power play. There are booby traps I must not fall inside. That's another reason why you're here. I do not need to tell you that
the politics of Nigeria is dirty and dangerous. It's survival of the fittest. Therefore, you must be up and doing.'

Ayo nodded again. 'I promise to do my best, sir. I can assure you of quality and proactive advice from time to time. On mass and social
media, I have always believed their vibrancy can be used for national cohesion and development. I believe resources can be used to attain set
goals. On political matters, I'm not a politician, but in political analyses, permutations and foresight, I will be very handy, sir, and I'll give my
best.'

Kolly nodded in agreement. 'Yes, I expect nothing less.' He used the intercom to summon the secretary.

'Tell the Permanent Secretary I want to see her.'

Ayo was bemused. The man could have given the secretary that message on the intercom, couldn't he?

'Yes, sir.' The woman glided out of the office.

Ayo was thoughtful on the job at hand. He knew he had a big task ahead, but he also believed he was equal to the task.

'You will get your letter of appointment signed of course by me from the Perm Sec.' Chief Kolly interrupted his thoughts. 'The letter will spell
out details of your responsibilities and emoluments. The Perm Sec will also give you other necessary information.'

'Thank you, sir.'

There was a rap on the door. It was opened gently. A woman in her late forties stepped inside. She was wearing a black skirt suit that fitted
her well. Somehow, her pretty face had seriousness behind it.

'Good morning, sir.' She looked at the Minister in smile.

'Good morning, Ms. Popo. Please, sit down.'

'Thank you, sir.' The woman sat down gingerly as if the seat was made of egg shells.

'Yes, let me introduce Mr. Ayo Ariyo. He is my new Special Assistant on mass and social media, coming in to replace Mallam Sodique.' The Minister turned to Ayo. 'Mr. Ariyo, meet Ms. Popo, the Perm sec.'

Ayo bowed slightly. 'Good morning, madam. It's a pleasure to meet you.'

The woman smiled at him and offered a handshake. 'You're welcome aboard Mr. Ariyo.'

One hour later, Ayo was sitting comfortably in the office allotted to him. It was on the same floor with the Minister's office. He had submitted
his c.v and photocopies of all his credentials to the Perm sec for documentation. He had also received his letter of appointment. Now in his
office, he perused the letter. All the terms of office were what he expected. His eyes went to the salaries and allowances. He whistled softly to
himself. The figures were more than he thought. No wonder some people were ready to involve in diabolical things for the sake of acquiring and
retaining political power.

There were many perks too. He was entitled to an official car and a driver, a cook and a domestic servant. In the office, he would be entitled to employ a personal secretary and a personal assistant to aid him in the job. Of course, already there was a secretary and an office assistant attached to his office from the Ministry. Wow! He whistled again.

Posh story.

There were many perks too. He was entitled to an official car and a driver, a cook and a domestic servant. In the office, he would be entitled to employ a personal secretary and a personal assistant to aid him in the job. Of course, already there was a secretary and an office assistant attached to his office from the Ministry. Wow! He whistled again.



Titi went through the messages on her WhatsApp and wondered at some of the contents. There was a particular message about two ladies that were caught romancing each other in a public place. Some people had descended on them by beating them up. Not satisfied in their desire to humiliate them, they went ahead to strip the two ladies naked. The scene was such a public spectacle and one of the men watching had gleefully videoed it. Now, it had gone viral and some people really derived so much gladness in watching and sharing the nude video.

Titi found the whole thing disgusting and barbarous. If the crowd felt the ladies had committed a crime, why couldn't they apprehend them and hand them over to the police? Why must the crowd take the law into their own hands? To Titi, what the crowd had done was a jungle justice which should be condemned.

A woman came into the office. Her face looked slightly familiar. She could be one of the numerous visitors that came to see the pastor.

'Good morning.' The woman was all smiles. There was happiness in the air.

'Good morning, ma'am.'

'I've come to see the pastor. I was here before. The name is Madam Gloria Meshaga.'

Titi looked apologetic. 'Sorry, but the pastor is not around. He went out to attend a function. Is there anything I can do for you, madam?'

Madam Gloria looked disappointed. 'Oh, how I wish I had seen him in person. I need to see him. Anyway, I will call him.' She brought out her
cell phone from her bag and called Pastor Raymond Olufemi's number.

'Pastor, good morning, sir.' Her radiant look was back. 'Mrs. Gloria Meshaga on the line.' She paused for some seconds. 'Yes, there's good
news. I will like to see you personally to share it.' She waited for some seconds again. 'Alright. I'll be around again tomorrow. I'll come by ten.
Thank you very much, pastor. God will bless you. See you tomorrow morning.'

The madam disconnected the line. She turned to Titi. 'I'll be back again tomorrow morning.' She opened her handbag to return the phone and
to bring out some currency notes. 'Here, have this.'

The money was shoved into Titi's surprised hand. 'Thank you, ma'am.'

'Till tomorrow.'

Titi watched as the important looking woman departed the office. The currency notes she had given her were many. She must be very happy
and generous to do that.



Ayo's cell phone rang. Ore was the one on the line.

'Hello, darling.'

'Hi. I've been trying to get across to you for some time.' Her voice was faint across the line.

'It could be the network. How're you?'

'Fine. Are we meeting at the hotel today?'

Ayo smiled to himself. 'I've got great news for you. Right now, I'm in Abuja. I've got a new job.'

'What?' The surprise was total from her voice. 'You don't mean it!'

'I do. I'm in Abuja, now. I've just started the job of special assistant to the Minister of Communications.'

'And you didn't tell me anything about it before now?'

'Yes, I want to make it a surprise. You remember that on Saturday, we were together when my boss called me. He discussed the job. I got it
through him. He and the Minister were buddies.'

'Amazing. Accept my congratulations.'

'Thank you.'

'Yes, I want to make it a surprise. You remember that on Saturday, we were together when my boss called me. He discussed the job. I got it through him. He and the Minister were buddies.'

'Amazing. Accept my congratulations.'

'Thank you.'

'So, when do we see again?'

'I'll be coming to Lagos by weekend. I'll let you know my itinerary.'

They chatted a bit more. Ore said she was missing him already. He assured her it would not be long when they would be seeing again. After the exchange of some words of endearment, the line was disconnected.

He sat back on his seat and switched on the laptop. Then he connected the internet dongle and opened the web pages of national dailies to
read the major news. He brought out his jotter and noted some political news and developments. His work had started in earnest.

Half an hour later, he was still taking down some notes when Ms. Popo called his line.

'Hello, Madam.'

'Hello.' Her voice seemed to be filled with excitement. 'I'm sending someone over to you. Her name is Jane. She will assist you on sundry matters.'

Ayo's brows went up. 'Sundry matters?'

'Yes, she will explain better when she gets there.'

'Okay, madam. Thank you.'

He whistled to himself as soon as the line was disengaged. What would sundry matters be? He was still wondering when there was a soft
knock on his door and the secretary stepped in.

'The perm. sec. sent someone to see you, sir.'

Ayo was surprised the person had already come. 'Yes, let him come in right away.'

'It's a female, sir. I will tell her to come in right now.'

The secretary stepped out of the office. Almost immediately, a lady came in. She couldn't be more than twenty seven. She was almost six
feet tall and had a pretty face. Her hair was stylishly fixed. She looked more like a fashion enthusiast than a government worker.

'Good day, sir. I'm Jane. I was sent by Ms. Popo.'

'Yes.' He looked at her all over again. 'She told me about you, but I didn't get your job schedule.

She smiled warmly and didn't answer him immediately. Her well-fitting clothes looked very new and beautiful.

Ayo smiled too. 'Sorry, I didn't offer you a seat.' He pointed at one. 'Sit down, please.'

The lady who just called herself Jane thanked him and took the offer.

She cleared her throat. 'I'm your assistant on special duties. My schedule covers sundry matters such as taking you around to places, getting
things you need, and such things.'

He nodded. Surely, this job was more interesting than he thought.

She was studying him too. 'For example, after close of work today, I will take you to the guest house where you'll be staying for now, and
show you around.'

He stared at her briefly and nodded again.

'One more thing.' Her countenance was cool and calm. 'I'm also to keep you company in case you're bored.'

He could not resist the chuckle that he made. 'Very interesting.'

He nodded again. 'Alright, Jane. I actually need someone to show me around, here. I mean I hardly know Abuja.'

'That is one of my duties.' She flashed another smile. Her dentition was well-defined and attractive. 'Now, to start with, will you like to eat anything? Will you like the meal to be delivered to you, or will you like to eat out?'

Ayo suddenly remembered that he had not eaten anything since morning. He suppressed a yawn.

'That reminds me that I've actually not had any bite today. I'll rather eat in the office as I have some things to do now, and there's no point
wasting time.'

'Very well, sir. What will you like to eat?'

'Get me some pizza and a bottle of water. I'll also like some apple juice.'

Jane nodded and got to her feet. 'Okay, Mr. Ariyo. At your service.'

Thanks for the update

Ayo suddenly remembered that he had not eaten anything since morning. He suppressed a yawn.

'That reminds me that I've actually not had any bite today. I'll rather eat in the office as I have some things to do now, and there's no point wasting time.'

'Very well, sir. What will you like to eat?'

'Get me some pizza and a bottle of water. I'll also like some apple juice.'

Jane nodded and got to her feet. 'Okay, Mr. Ariyo. At your service.'

She smiled again and left the office in that sleek way she carried herself.

He whistled to himself as he watched her leave. I am also to keep you company, she had said. Wow, that would be interesting.



As soon as Ayo finished his meal, he went back to work. Intermittently, he received phone calls. He was so engrossed in the work that time
seemed to move fast. When it was ten minutes after 4 o'clock, Jane stepped inside his office.

'Just a reminder, sir, that the closing time is 4 o'clock.'

He grinned. 'I know. I'll soon be through.'

He finally stopped working for the day about sixteen minutes after four. He packed some documents into a valise. The laptop would also be
taken home for more work. The office assistant took his things downstairs. Jane steered Ayo to the official car he would be using. There was a
driver waiting. A police officer would also serve as the orderly.

Ayo and Jane sat at the back seats. The sleek car moved out of the premises. He ordered that they should first go to the hotel where he had
lodged. He took his things from his hotel room and checked out of the place. The drive to his new abode was less than ten minutes. The guest
house was a bungalow sited in the government reservation settlement. A uniformed security man opened the gate for them to drive in.

Jane removed his bags from the car and took them inside. The police orderly and the driver were to come around the following morning by
seven. Ayo nodded at them as he dismissed then.

He briefly observed the exterior of the bungalow before he moved inside. It looked like a new building and everything inside looked new.
There was a lounging room, a large sitting-room that was exquisitely furnished, and five bedrooms. In addition, there was a boys’ quarter that
had three rooms.

A cook and a domestic servant were already there in the house. They welcomed him in deference. Ayo realized that he was living a different
life. He was happy for the difference. He went to the big sitting-room, flicked the 90-inch flat screen on and scanned the channels. Jane came to
meet him.

'Sir, I'm in the boys’ quarters, in case you need me.'

Ayo smiled at her. 'Sit down, Jane. Remember, you're to keep me company. Besides, you've not told me about yourself.'

She picked a seat opposite him. 'I'm Jane, and I'm here as your assistant.'

'I'm talking about your personal life, my dear. Tell me about yourself, not your job.'

'Well, if you must know, sir, I'm happily married.'

Ayo was surprised. 'Really?'

Jane burst into laughter. 'I'm married to my job!'

He laughed too. 'You got me there.'

Well done OP
Thanks for the update

Nice update. Well done.

She picked a seat opposite him. 'I'm Jane, and I'm here as your assistant.'

'I'm talking about your personal life, my dear. Tell me about yourself, not your job.'

'Well, if you must know, sir, I'm happily married.'

Ayo was surprised. 'Really?'

Jane burst into laughter. 'I'm married to my job!'

He laughed too. 'You got me there.'

The cook came to ask him what he would like to have for supper. He told her and she was back to the kitchen.

Jane told him about her background, her childhood, schooling and how she was employed by the Ministry of Communications. She had a man in her life, but was not too sure the man was serious about any future plans. The man was always suspicious of her, she said. After she had finished, he wanted to tell her about himself too.

'There's no need you tell me. I already know a lot about you,' she put in.

'What d'you know about me?'

She smiled briefly. 'You were the political editor of I-News. Married. Two kids. Recommended by your former boss, Alfred Idowu to the
Honorable Minister.'


Again, he was surprised. 'How did you know all these?'

Jane smiled. 'I was given a small dossier on you. It goes with the job.'

Jane smiled. They chatted idly thereafter. He obviously seemed to enjoy her company. He mentally compared her with his wife. Unlike his

wife, Jane seemed adept at discussing topics of diverse issues, including politics. About forty minutes later, the cook came to announce that the
food was ready.

Ayo insisted that he and Jane should eat together. It was the sumptuous meal with chicken and turkey. After the food, they were back in the
lounging room. He went to the shelf containing assorted wines, champagne and rum. She wanted to serve him but he insisted on doing it
himself.

Two glasses were filled and they drank as if they were old friends. Ayo was a man good at grabbing opportunity, even when it was obvious he
was taking advantage of the situation.

He further felt justified by the fact that Jane had said she was to keep him company. Well, he felt he would be bored being alone in the four-
bedroom bungalow, so he asked that she should continue to keep him company.

'Honestly, I enjoy conversing with you. It's as if I've known you for a long time.' He patted her cheeks. He was buoyed by her non-resistance
to his overture. 'It's only a lifeless man that will not appreciate speaking to a beautiful lady like you.'

He sounded like he was cooing. Her response was a giggle.

'Say, why don't you let us check out the bedroom and see how the place really looks like.'

‘Is that not early?’

He grinned. ‘I don’t think so. Let’s see how the place looks like.’

Ayo held her hand and led her to the bedroom.

'You're very beautiful outside.' He kissed the back of her right palm. 'Let me see how beautiful you are inside.'

She said nothing. She only grinned at him daringly.

His lips went for hers and there was a long physical contact. His hands started exploring her body. Without any resistance, she assisted him to satisfy his lust.

Hmmmmmmm No wahala

Thanks for the update

Thanks for the update

Ayo held her hand and led her to the bedroom.

'You're very beautiful outside.' He kissed the back of her right palm. 'Let me see how beautiful you are inside.'

She said nothing. She only grinned at him daringly.

His lips went for hers and there was a long physical contact. His hands started exploring her body. Without any resistance, she assisted him to satisfy his lust.

Thereafter, they lay on the bed, exhausted but content. His phone rang. It was Ore on the line.

'Hello, I hope I'm not disturbing anything,' she said.

'No, nothing. How are you, baby?'

'I'm missing you so terribly.'

'Oh.'

'See, our short mid-semester break starts next week, but I can't wait to be with you. I want to travel this Friday to Abuja. I want to be with
you.'

He looked vividly surprised. 'You don't mean it, Ore.'

She laughed shortly over the line. 'Of course. I mean it. Please send the address of where you're staying there to my WhatsApp number. Be
expecting me on Friday.'

‘Alright. I’m supposed to travel down to Lagos for the weekend. But I guess with your coming, I will shelve my traveling till another time.’

‘Okay, dear. See you.’

‘Yeah, bye.’

He dropped the phone on the stool by the bedside.

‘Your girlfriend?’ Jane asked, staring at him.

‘A lady friend,’ he answered.

‘A girlfriend, all the same. You’re supposed to be married, Mr. Ariyo.’

He smiled. ‘Yes, and you’re not supposed to sleep with a married man, Miss. Jane.’

‘Are you telling me I shouldn’t have done this?’

‘No, dear. I’m telling you that the two of us are guilty of the same passion, by doing this.’

She grinned. He patted her bum and ran his hand over her chest again.

The following morning, he was at work by eight and started his work in earnest. He received a call from his wife few minutes to ten o’clock.

‘I hope you’re not over burdened with the work,’ Mandy said.

‘Oh, no. The work is interesting and I’m enjoying it. How is Lagos and how are the kids?’

‘We’re all fine. They’re already saying they miss you.’

‘I miss them too. Later tonight, I’ll call you in the evening so that I can chat with them.’

‘That will be no problem. Ehn ehn, Juliet just called me some minutes ago. They have received their NYSC posting and she said she had been
posted to the FCT.’

‘Oh, really? That’s interesting. What a coincidence!’

‘Indeed, it’s a big coincidence. The orientation camp starts from next week. She’ll be around by Friday just to familiarize herself with the area.’

‘This Friday? That’s interesting.’

‘Yes, this Friday. That means you’ll shift your coming to Lagos till next weekend.’

‘That’s right. I’ll text the address of this place to you. Send it to her. Send her number to me, too. I will like to know the minute she steps on
Abuja.’

‘Alright. That will be no problem. I will do so.’

After he had ended the conversation, he thought over the coming around of Juliet. From the little he knew about her, she was a good, young
lady. However, having her around him meant he had to be very careful in his affairs with Jane, Ore, or whoever. He thought of Ore being
around and shook his head. There was no way Ore and Juliet would be around his residence at the same time. He must find alternative residence for Ore. Better still, Ore should hold on about coming to meet him.


‘Who again is coming on Friday?’ Jane asked, intruding into his thoughts.
‘My wife’s junior sister.’


‘You’ll have your lady friend and sister-in-law here at the same time?’

He grinned ruefully. ‘No way. One will have to hold on for another.’

He called Ore’s number.

Double trouble

Thanks for the update

Thanks for the update
Make you continue o

Lord when I get married lead me not into temptation. Nice one

aprilwise:
Lord when I get married lead me not into temptation. Nice one

Amen

Beautiful story,I hope Mr Ariyo won't get his fingers burnt,
he's now in the bigger bois league
Just hope he's not biting more than he can chew
Nice story once again