**** ONE
Tony drove his cab to his house,he was coming from Chief Ikezie house.The day was really hectic but luck still found away to shine on him.He was an airport taxi driver.He had gone to work earlier than before as if he had known Chief Ikezie was coming from Venezuela today.Chief Ikezie was his secondary school classmates,one of the dullest in his class that time,Tony thought was how Ikezie made it big despite his unseriousness towards his education.Tony was thrown off balance when he saw Chief Ikezie four storey edifice."how come"he wondered silently,the most suprising one was the way ChiefIkezie rolled out dollars to him as if he[Ikezie] growsmoney tree.


Tony wondered as he drove into his public apartment,even into the ever nagging Vanessa,his Wife.Yes he sighted her holding her waist and stamping her foot like a mentally deranged dog.He knew he had defaulted once more,so he quickly pulled up.He killed the engine and came out of the car.

"Tony,why are you late...


Watch for continuation..

****One[b]

Tony was not in the mood so he only smiled.
But Vanessa was nt ready to back out
"You have been keeping side chics,you think i dont know"Vanessa raved seething.Tony was not ready to create a scene here at least not now.So he made move towards the passage door but this Bitch held him on the shirt,at this he knew he was going to lose it if he did not control his temperament.
"Okay,can we go in so that i can explain"Tony pleaded because it seems to be the only to be free.This worked out.
He turned towards the door as Vanessa followed suit.As soon as they got into their room,the children got up to welcome Their father.Tony smiled at his two children;a boy and a girl,Larry and Hyacinth.
He gave them a small package and turbed towards the bedroom.
God!his wife was following once more.
He then sat on the bed to remove his shoes.
"I am waiting for an explanation Tony"Vanessa said calmly now
"I met a rich friend of mine at the airport today so i took him home"Tony started
"So"?Vanessa asked

Watch out...

One[c]

"i took to his powerful edifice and we talked for sometime before i left"Tony replied reluctantly.
Vanessa was ready to strike now
"Tony i wont take that flimsy excuse from you,what kind of blunder is that,oh you want me to believe that"
"Woman please am not in the mood for this"Tony said in a low voice to prevent the children from hearing.
"Tony then be ready to be in the mood of hunger because no dinner for you tonight"Vanessa flared.
"You can keep the food but let me have my peace,i am the man of the house so dont expect me to be accountable to you"Tony said angrily now

Vanessa was quiet for a while before she sat down on the bed,Tony could see her eyeballs ablaze with anger and resentment.
"Tony i am tired of this marriage if all you could do as a man is to keep girls outside not even the fact that you are wretched"Vanessa said slowly as she allowed tears flowed freely.This stunned Tony,he turned and sat down beside Her.He brought out the wads of dollars Chief,Ikezie gave him.
"Are you okay now?

He could see Vanessa smiled broadly revealing her open gum.Tony caught a glimpse of her beauty and smiled too.
"I trust my baby"Vanessa said as she flipped the dollar note.
"This is seven hundred dollars Tony,quite a huge sum of money"Vanessa added as Tony only nodded
women and money!!Tony inhaled and got up from the bed which reiterated with it usual creaky sound.
"Can i have my dinner now"he demanded feigning fatigue
"i know you must be tired but you have to shower,i,prepared your favourite,Melon soup and Pounded yam,i laced the food with fishes,meat and other condiment you would love to relish"Vanessa replied as she slotted the money into a drawer.Tony nodded as he pulled at his trousers,soon he was stark naked in front of his wife.He took a towel and rushed outside the room to have his bath.He returned few minutes later and sat down to do justice to his food when his children walked up to him with a sullen face.
"What is it and why are you looking unhappy"he asked

His thirteen years old son Hilary spoke now
"Dad i was chased home from school today for my school fees,Hyacinth teacher told me to remind you of her common entrance examination fees."
Tony exhaled in relief.oh yes.He was expecting this.He surveyed his room and saw his wife mending their uniform with needle and thread with her eyes glued to the T.V.he then turned to his childen.
"wont you allow daddy eat first before you confront him"he asked carefully so as not mar their emotion and make them unhappy.
"I was chased out of the class dad,i am the only one who is yet to pay my school fees and common entrance fee"Hyacinth his nine years old daughter spoke.He took time to study this girl he called"lawyer".She was smarter than her age.He also remembered the circumstances surrounding her birth.His wife always put to birth with the caesarean operation method which limited them to giving birth to only two for safety precautions.This same girl almost killed her mother at birth.

During the course of giving birth to this girl.Vanessa went into coma after two weeks of bleeding.Tony was sentenced to running around begging for money to treat his wife.The way he got the money to discharge and pay for all the expenses remained to him.
Now this girl was standing boldly to...Anyway he remembered she was his daughter.This girl is beutiful,he need not denying.
"Hyacinth i will pay up as soon as i have money"Tony said.
"You are always saying that daddy,if you dont pay up,our chances of coming home this term with good grades is shattered"Hyacinth curted in.

He saw Vanessa approaching the scene
"Allow daddy to eat and save him the stress he went through today"Vanessa domineering voice rang in the room as the children retired to their position in front of the T.V like nothing ever happened.this was the peace he needed to eat but..
"Tony that dollars will go a long way to settle their debt in their school tomorrow"Vanessa ordered than Advised.Tony got it hint and turned to his food

women and kids

CHAPTER TWO

He was ushered into the well furnished office with full air condition.
Chief Ikezie was on his desk with a laptop in his front.
Tony was lost in awe until his friend baritone rich voice cajoled him out of his reverie.
"Anthony"Chief Ikezie said
"I was lost Kezie,you have a nice place here in VGC"Tony replied
"Is that you are looking at my office like you have entered a haven"
"Haven is an understatement Kezie,This is paradise"Tony replied
"Thank you Tony,evidence of hardwork"Chief Ikezie replied.
"I see"
"So what do i offer you,we have brandy,it was your favourite when we are still in school"Chief asked
"I will prefer non alcoholic wine,i dont drink anymore.My wife hates that"
"Okay let me ring my staff to get if for you.Once agsin welcome to KESSIE INVESTMENT"chief said but stressed his last sentence
"i never knew you were super rich,so you own this six storey complex"Tony commended.
"This is just one of my achievements,i own the Bloomsfield Hotel"Chief Ikezie Flaunts.

Tony was here because of what Chief Ikezie promised him.Tony could remember he had helped Ikezie during their secondary school days.Tony always write his assignments,projects and examinations then in school until Ikezie told him that he was no longer interested in education.He soon travelled to Dubai and then Venezuela where they lost contact of each other.Tony proceeded to Imo state University to study Pure Chemistey,he graduated with a second degree upper.He soon got frustrated when he could not get a job.He borrowed money to buy a taxi,he had being in the taxi business for fifteen years now.That day at the airport when he saw Chief Ikezie emerging from the plane.He could still recognize his face so he rushed to meet him to take him home in his taxi.Chief Ikezie had gven him his business card in which he used to locate this multi millionaire friend of his.Tony knew Ikezie then in school was a weakling that almost everybody bullied him including girls and he[Tony]was always there to defend him.

Now Tony was sure Chief Ikezie must compensate him now.
The staff entered the room with the juice wine Tony requested for.Soon Tony was sipping his wine.Chief Ikezie broke the silence
"Tony,why do you drive taxi now,i expect to see you as a big man by now"
"Life just seem to be unfair with me.I graduated with a second upper in Pure Chemistry"
"You dont mean it tony"Chief exclaimed
"Kezie i wont lie to you.I met charles one day in Exxon Mobil company,he was one of their Managers"

Charles Nnebue was the popular senior prefect in their school then but they were not too acquainted to each other because it was a large public school.Tony could remember the day Ikezie was copying from an expo Tony have passed to him when Charles saw them.The invigilator almost caught Ikezie who quickly threw the paper to the next role where Charles was sitting.Charles quickly folded it into a hole.The invigilator asked Charles and Ikezie to get up.They were threathened but Charles refused to talk but agreed to go on punishment.

Since then Tony and Ikezie took charles as their friend.Even when Ikezie left for Dubai,Charles and Tony became closer until the news came that Charles parents died in a ghastly motor accident,Charles relocated with his Uncle to Jos and they lost contact.
Back to present,Tony could see the expression of gladness that brightened Ikezie hazel eyes.
"You saw him where"Chief Ikezie said.
"At Apapa,he told me he works at Exxon Mobil as their manager,he was even driving a Honda Crosstour car when i saw him.I dont know why life is treating me unfairly"Tony replied.
"Its okay Tony,remember you are in front of Kezie your friend.I will solve your problem"
"I will be grateful if you that"
"Sure i will,drink your wine Tony"Chief Ikezie smiled reveaing his pristine set of teeths.Tony saw his handsomeness.Perhaps this was the reason every girls wanted to date him even knowing his academic flaws,Tony muttered and sipped his drink.Chief Ikezie turned to the system at his front and started working.Tony wished to be like him.

Tony watched this business tycoon of his as he worked.He gazed all over the spacious office.This office was larger than his apartment.He then glanced at his watch.`5:25'pm.he had spent three hours with this man.he was secretly angry for this man but he had to keep his cool.
Chief Ikezie got up and stretched.His largé beautifully embroided agbada befitted his large body.Tony glanced at his shoes,it was an italian model,very resplendent costly one.it must have cost a fortune to buy this.Tony saw Chief Ikezie adjusted his semi oversized rolex watch of pure gold.God!!this Ikezie is super wealthy.He was still in this reverie when a hand on his shoulder jolted him out of his day dream.
"Tony are you okay,i have been talking to you"Chief Ikezie rich baritone voice allured him.
"No i was just in my thought"
"Dreaming of becoming wealthy,i saw you admiring my attires,shoes and watch"
"Its okay,where are we heading to"?Tony asked changing the subject.
"My Hotel,its not far from here if we take the third mainland bridge

Tony quietly followed him out of the office.They took the elevator downstairs.As soon as three bouncers saw them coming.One collected his briefcase while the remaining moved to the SUV.They opened the door for him and chief to enter.One drove the car while the two went to the other SUV at the back.Tony was shocked that Ikezie have convoys escorting him.Wealth is good.
They moved out of the company and joined the road.
"Kezie what are you producing in your company"Tony summoned courage.
"I produce Chemicals used in laboratories.We produce ornaments too.This watch and shoes was produced by my companies"Chief Ikezie said absentmindedly.He plied out his phone and made a call.
"Hello Romeo,tell the remaining group members to wait for me,we have a new member"Chief Ikezie said to the receiver.
As soon as he made the call,Tony heart missed a beat.He became curious
"Tony You will soon join the leagues of elites in the Island Eagles club"Chief Ikezie said.
"Club?,i thought you will offer me a job"?Tony asked.

"I cant give you a fish Tony but i will teach you how to catch fishes"Chief Ikezie responded tapping Tony on his shoulders.
Tony was apprehensive now.But he needed to be an elite like Ikezie and if joining the island club will make him rich,then he was okay with it.
"What is the group all about Kezie"Tony curiousity outbursted.
"Dont worry about the group,all i can tell you is that all the prominent men in this country belong to this club and once you are inducted,you will soon join the list of billionaires in Forbes list"Chief replied.
Tony heart leaped for joy as he heard this.He faced the road.The SUV was speeding towards the third mainland bridge.The air conditioner was powerful.He soon heard Chief making another call.
"Hello Harry,Alhaji Momodu asked us to supply ten tons of goods For Sixty million dollars,so make the supply as soon as possible"Chief said to the receiver.
Tony was shocked when he heard the whooping amount.
"That is one of my worker,The Alhaji in person is the governor of Newton states"

"So you deal with Governors?"Tony asked agape.
"I deal with presidents,We are all in the Club together like i told you.The Romeo You heard me call some minutes ago is The minister of Justice.His Lordship Bruce Romeo."Chief Ikezie bragged as Tony could identify The pride in his voice.
"I cant wait to belong to this group."Tony replied.
"Tony,i am aspiring to contest in the coming election as a senator in Imo state.The Newton states i called before signifies Nasarawa state."
"So you have always envisioned to be a politician Kezie,you never told me that when we were growing"
"Yes,Do you know Politics is money so i want to tap into it and have a share of the national cake"
"na una dey spoil Nigeria"Tony cajoled in pidgin.
"No Tony,everyone is chasing his or her pockets,so who have time for the masses.As far as we politicans make our money,the masses can kiss the grave"Chief Ikezie Replied cruelly.
"Thats wickedness"Tony replied and slapped Chief on his hands playfully as they laughed.
"You will join us soon"

Tony laughed as the SUV entered the large hotel.No wonder it was a household name.The hotel was a four six storeys gigantic turkish mansion.The compound was large that it could contain half of the population of Lagos.It was dusk already so activities have began.Tony looked at his watch`8:01'pm.
"Here we are"Chief finally said,as the doors of the car opened.They alighted.
"This way to the conference hall Tony"Chief said as Tony watched his suede shoes perform its job.The whole environment was buzzing with activities.Floodlight litted the whole compound that you will never recognized it was night already.Tony skimming eyes caught the swimming pool,it was a large one as he saw people swimming.Tony spotted a lot of white people ranging from Chinese to japanese to cubans and even indians.As they entered the reception hall,all the employees got up to greet.Tony pinched himself to be sure if he was in another world because the air conditioner was very cool.
They climbed the elevators to the top floor.

Make una give me likes na.it look as if i am writing for self
Abeg give me vibes to continue

Following ohh with my okpa and groundnut

CHAPTER THREE

As They entered the large conference hall.It was a large one that could contain at least a thousand persons.Chief held his hand as they moved to a table where three other people were sitting down already.Chief greeted them and Tony folloed suit.
"This is Tony my friend and a new inductee"Chief Introduced.
"Welcome Tony I am Rochas Okocha,you must have heard my popular name before.I am the senator representing Abia South"A bulgy fat man on agbada blabbed as he shaked Tony.What!!Tony could not believe he had just shook hands with A senator.
"I am Bruce Romeo,the Minister of Justice"A caucasian bespectacled handsome man said and shook hands with Tony.So this was the Romeo,Ikezie had told him about.What a dream of fantasy,Tony wished this dream should not stop.He was seating with the elites of Nigeria.
"I am Abdulahi Taofik,i am the NAFDAC boss,nice to meet you"the shortest man in the table said and Shook hands with Tony.
Tony turned to Chief Ikezie in awe,he saw his friend nodding in approval.

Tony gazed round the hall in ecstacy.His eyes caught the large screen standing like a protruding monster in front of the hall.The activities in every nook of the hall was displayed.He saw its headline
"ELITES DINNER"
He never argued with its headline,the occupants of this hall at this minutes are undisputedly the elites.
He saw the exquisite glàmourity the hall possessed.The ground had the golden marble and the ceiling void of fans was crystal white.He located the Conduit A.C doing their job effectively.He saw Chief Ikezie going from tables to tables greeting people,perhaps his acquaintance.
He looked at the podium at the front ladened with well poloshed red rugs.His eyes then came to his table where the three guests ignored his presence as they chatted while drinking their wine and tearing their chickens into shreds which left their mouth dancing.The "Umbrella"track by Rihanna played underground giving the room a comfortable ease that elites needed.Chief came back.
"Get ready"Chief nudged him

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

Vanessa moved disturbedly in the room.She glanced at the time`10:49'pm and Tony was not back yet.His numbers were not ringing through.She looked at her children sleeping comfortably on the bed.She knew Tony never went to work today since he left his taxi and told her he was visiting Chief Ikezie his childhood friend.She sighed and sat on the bed and dialed his number again yet it never rang through.She was frustrated now even mad at this extreme.She sighed once more and went to the window to check but she saw only thickening darkness gathering.She heaved as she sat on the bed once more.Soon Power was restored.she was glad at least she could watch the T.V till that sonofabitch return to her ever ready tongues.
She moved to switch off the lantern.Then turned to the sitting room then she heard a knock.`11:01'pm
She rushed to open the door as Tony pushed her away from the way and entered into the house.She locked the door and turned to her retiring husband.
"Tony where are you coming"
"I owe no explanation to you

Thanks op... More ink and grace fall on u..

Vanessa was shocked at her husband curt reply.
"Tony dont tell me you went with those girls outside"she said close to tears.
"Whatever your intuition tells you but i want my peace Vanessa"Tony fired hotly.
Vanessa was taken aback that Tony had called her full name.He had always called her`Nessa'or `Van'but never Vanessa.
"You owe an explanation to this Tony,i wont let you have your peace until you explain in details what kept you out so late".
"Madam"Tony came closer to her,he faced her eyeball then turned
"Vanessa if i should repeat myself,i will be left with no option but reduce you to a pulp.Do i have to be accountable to my wife for all my going out.You must be mad"Tony fumed and moved towards the bedroom.
Vanessa held him on the shirt and pulled him back.
"Tony you must need to have your brain examined"
"Meaning"Tony asked pulling his shirt from his wife.
"You are absolutely insane.You will do your worst today"
Tony quietly pulled off his shirt leaving it with his wife and jumped on his bed to sleep.

You're doing well, PRE4.

The next morning.He woke up late.He glanced at the wall clock`9:28'.He did it on purpose to avoid his ever nagging Wife.She must have gone to the school she was teaching with her children.
He got up and sat on the bed.
At the elite meeting yesterday,he was suprised it was a cult rebranded as club.He was initiated into the cult against his wish.It was after the initiation he met Charles Nnebue who told him what he will never forget.
"I never wanted you to be in the elites gathering but since you are here,get ready for the unexpected"
He was shocked when Chief Ikezie told him that he also brought Charles to the gathering.Charles was never a manager of Exxon Mobil Oil Company like he claimed,he was a co-founder.He had lied to Tony to avoid helping him even to Tony good.
Yesterday,the grand master of the cult disguised as Chairman Mr Don Okeke had told him that he should meet him[Don]at his residence at Banana island for the final Initiation rites.
He also remembered Ikezie have assured him to obey Don conditions

Pleàse make una comment to keep me going.E no easy

He looked at the drawer in the room,his food was there.He felt churns in his stomach as he surveyed the yam and eggs in the plate.He opened the cup and looked inside to meet steaming coffee.
Vanessa was a lovely woman who nags next to hell.
He was happy for feigning Anger.it worked on Vanessa perhaps that warranted the appetising breakfast as a diguised apology.He smiled and heaved.He had spent twenty minutes outside yesternight immediately the Bike dropped him to think on what he will tell Vanessa why he kept out so late.He knew he couldnt tell her about the ritual palaver so he was looking for a suitable lie just when Power was restored and he came up with that epiosode which worked on this wife of his.
He smiled as he took toothpaste and brush from his drawer and went out of the room.
He bathed and rushed his breakast in order to catch The 2:00PM appointment with The Don Okeke.He left his house at exactly 11:00pm.He lived at Ikeja,so meeting up with the appointment was an easy task to him.

At exactly 2:00pm he entered into the compound of the edifice.The house was just a grand but modest two storey building.How coud a whole chairman of the elites club live in a modest apartment like this when ordinary members like Chief Ikezie flaunts their wealth excessively.Anyway it might be his personality,Tony wondered as he entered the grand sitting room of the chairman.God,Tony exhaled.The place expresses the presence of an important personality.The Don was the Secretary to The Federation,such an admirable position.No wonder The police and Navy guarded the residence heavily.He was embarrased the way the guards were ransacking him until he phoned The Don who ordered they allow him in.
He saw the tall middle aged man whose carriage will pass a message to sundry of his affluence.
"Welcome Tony Ejike,i am sorry for my guards insults on you.They were acting strictly on my order and protection"The Don said and sat on on one of the exquisite sofa,he motioned to Tony to have his seat which Tony obliged.

"I understand Mr Don"Tony said.
"So what do i serve you,i will love you have the wine i imported recently from france"The don offered.
"I am fine.I dont want anything.So how is your wife and children"Tony asked to change the topic.
"My wife and my two kids are in paris.My wife name is Lauretta and i have two boys Godfrey and Onyedikachi"The Don replied.
"So you live alone in this haven"?
"Yes but this is one of my poorest abode here in Nigeria.I have a mansion ten times larger than this in Abuja.I also own the Infinite best Bank"The Don rolled out.
Tony was shocked at the revelation.So this man sitting in front of him is the owner of his bank.He loved the system the bank operated with.It was one of the best Bank in Nigeria.
"I bank with your bank"Tony revealed smiling
"I am not suprised because everyone love to bank with my bank because of its unique system"The Don said with pride.
Tony was glad to be in the midst of the elites and he wished to fall in their midst.He saw the Don smiling at him.

"So why am i here"
"For the final ritual rites"
"Okay lets start immediately"Tony said and adjusted his sitting position to face his host"
"Tony,The Elites club is for people who have no conscience.The meaning of the skull with two bones crossed accross it in our Logo connotes an iron-seared heart.That is to say we have no conscience"The Don started slowly.Tony heart skipped ten beats as he felt a lump in the throat.He caught his host smiling one sided,the expression in his face relayed the message that it was waiting for any reaction from his guest.Tony was sure the man caught sight of the fear that rippled in his sweaty face despite the cool room.
"What are you driving at"Tony almost screamed
"Nobody pains should get through you because you will live on people tears"The Don said almost immediately.
"I am no longer interested"Tony retorted angrily and got up.
"No one who puts his hand on the plough is fit for the elites club,your bibe says so"The Don replied revealing his hidden cruelty.Tony sank on the sofa

****************
The air was cool.the serene was fair.The large two plots of land with a small bedraggled shacks was in gentle mood.The atmosphere could reveal the fact that aged people inhabit this compound.At a far end of the compound was an orchard,it was an unkempt one though.maybe it was because old people were the caretaker of the primitive and antique domain.This was Mbaise,Imo state,the home of Ejike Anthony Chimaobi,the son of the titled Julius Ejike`onwa ora'of Mbaise.`onwa ora'means moon of the people.This was the title the village conferred on the village local community school headmaster Anthony Father.
Sitting in the front of the dilapidated antique house on a raffia chair was the seventy-six years old Headmaster,Anthony father with an old cracky radio situated on his right ear.His face reflect utmost concentration.His oval eyeglass rested on his oversized nose.He wore a short khaki with a rough white shirt,a tie complimented his clowny dress.This was his style and he was known for it.

There was a time Tony punched a friend of his who had insulted him with his father dress code.Even the women had nicknamed Angelina Anwulika,Tony mother "Wife of the village headmaster".The men were not left out of the scene,they nicknamed Tony father"monkey eyeglass".
You wont blame them because Tony father dressing always made him the cynosure of all mockery.His three quarter shorts and his oversized shirts which a long doggy tie complemented.His round bulgy annoying spectacles permanently rested on his big nose like it was meant to be there.
People admired his jaw-breaking vocabularies which he flaunts around proudly.
Presently with the ancient big radio rested on his right ears like a deaf person.
"Angelina this loquacious homo sapiens moth corrupted politicians keep looting our treasuries"He said looking at his wife who was busy washing `onumu'bitterleaf in a bowl.
His wife wore an expressionless face.Beads of sweats settled on her sixty nine years old face.
"Julius i dont understand your grammar"

"Its absurd you still dont imbibe spicing vocabulary in your sentence"Julius old voice said
"Julius i am not as educated as you are,i did not go to university like you did"
"Angelina i schooled at oxford on scholarship,i dined nd wined with the dukes and queens of oxfordshire,i sailed to Toronto Canada.."
"I dont believe all this you are saying"
"So you are implying that a honourable man like me rants on falsehood"
"Julius i did not say so"The woman continued washing the bitterleaf.
"Angelina lets leave that for now,you are a doubting Thomres so i am in no disposition for your argumentative mien this evening.Let me listen to my radio"
"Julius"
"nwanyi ogini,what is it"Julius replied feigning annoyance
"Julius,Tony have not called us for a very long time,hope all is well"the woman said looking disturbed.
"You women,you wallow in longuity on things not disturbing worthwhile.Tony is a family man not that little boy you fed with that sagging breast of yours many years back"
"He is my son and i should worry"