thanks for the breakfst waitn patiently 4 lunch. more power to u.

wow. this is very nice
more ink to ya pen

man if nobody tell you, i just dey tell you sey you good. Waiting for the lunch service

Holly Molly Johnsuprgeon014... turned on my PC this morning. While waiting for it to boot, I decided to flip through NL. Stumbled on your story and by God, have been reading feverishly. May I say that, you sir, are a freaking storyteller. I have not read a prose so good and with such eagerness and excitement recently. I see in you, the makings of a world class novelist -Watch Out Chimamanda. Bravo Sir, Bravo. I am subbing to this thread immediately and cannot wait to see how the tragic?* story of Banks and Lade ends.

Wow wow wow !!! ....

Wow! Wow!! What a nice piece!!!
Can't wait to read moreee. Thumbs up Johnspurgeon014

9ice command of English! Suspense-filled and very original .

CHAPTER EIGHT


The wharf guard on duty that early morning was Mensah. He was up on his feet with sweaty brows pacing the entrance into the gate. He looked at his wristwatch and puffed at his cigarette like he was choking for it. Three a.m. They were supposed to be here already. In a few hours, he'd sign out and hand over to his successor. More so, he needed that money for his sick son. The shrill ring of his cell phone startled him so much his cigar dropped. He took out his phone and answered it.

“You’re late today,” Mensah said, frowning at his shaky voice.

“We are only two minute out,” the soft voice that could only belong to Spencer mentioned. All Mensah heard next was the end tone. He looked at the phone screen with a scowl, lit another cigarette and waited.

Fifteen minutes later, a white van marked in German words and a green Mercedes 190 was parked between two rows of large containers just come in from sea. Kunle was behind the wheels of a tractor with a forklift waiting. Four others including Ben waited beside Spencer who unlocked one container and threw its doors open. The container had a lot of cartons sealed off with tape. Spencer stood aside and supervised while Ben and another of the group produced jack knives from their pockets and cut off the tapes with vertical swipes. Spencer moved in with the tractor and scooped a cube of three cartons (three rows on three columns), reversed and turned to deposit the load at the open rear of the white van. He made five similar trips, loading the cartons into the back of three white vans altogether. He reversed the tractor towards another row of containers and alighted. He checked his wristwatch and hurried to join the rest of the group. Spencer locked the container and they all dispersed into the vans. Wheels up, they drove for the gate in a convoy.

At the gate Spencer in the lead van passed Mensah a fat, brown envelope and drove off while Mensah locked the gates after the last had exited the yard. The three vans got to an intersection on the road and turned in different directions.

There were three lines of coke next to a half filled Ziploc bag containing more cocaine and a thin hollow bamboo stick about three inches long on a silver tray on Sting’s office desk. There was also a phone, two empty bottles of beer. Sting was leaned back on his chair with his legs crossed on top of the desk. He was staring blankly with half closed eyes out of the window at the just dawning day. His cell phone rang. He swung of his desk and placed an unfinished beer bottle on the table. He took out his phone, pressed the answer key and raised it to his ear to listen.

The report was short and straight to the point and got his eyes wide. “You better keep him in your sight till I call you, Khalifa I’m coming myself.” He ended the call.

He picked his bamboo snifter and bent over the plate to do a line. He put the plate into his topmost drawer and opened the lowest one to take out his nine millimeter gun. He took out a carton of bullets from the same drawer and shut it. He checked the clip on his gun and found it filled. He opened the carton, took out an empty clip and began to fill it with bullets.

He called Spencer when he was done. “Where are you guys?”

“At the garage, transferring the goods.”

Sting checked his wristwatch and nodded. “Khalifa called. When you’re done at the garage, send Kunle to me. Tell him to bring his gun.”

“Okay Sting.”

“Don't forget to take something to the girls tonight.”

“No problem Sting. I’ll call you when we get to the warehouse.”

Sting ended the call, pocketed the refilled clip and left his office.

***

Jennifer exited the back of the Achebe Auditorium, a three storey lecture building donated by the Chinua Achebe Foundation two years ago. Jennifer walked past the cars parked in rows of which her HONDA ELEMENT was one and continued across a tarred lane towards the large cluster of shade trees opposite. She wore black knee-length peplum dress with long sleeves made with lace and had a white Gucci school bag.

There were stone benches under the trees and a study group was immersed in their final revisions. Jennifer exchanged greetings with them and found herself a vacant bench. She looked at her wrist watch before opening her bag and taking her GALAXY tablet and browsed for her notes. She soon found her final summary of the semester work and started reading up.

“Excuse me,” a female voice interrupted her from behind. She looked up to see an older girl who wore fitted yellow top and blue jean trouser. Jennifer frowned when she didn’t recognize her. Cindy smiled and walked around the stone bench to sit next to her. “Sorry for interrupting,” she said.

Jennifer shrugged. “How may I help you?”

“I’m looking for a guy. I hear he is in your class. Those girls sitting over there said you would be able to help me locate them.”

Jennifer followed her pointed hand and saw a group of girls at a car lot at a neighboring lecture building. She felt perplexed but tried a smile. “Does he have a name?”

“Yes, Peter.” When Jennifer didn’t act like she recognized the name, Cindy quickly added. “I understand his friends know him more as Banks.”

Jennifer raised her eyebrow. “Oh! I haven’t seen…” Just then they both saw Banks’ Mercedes convertible turn the corner of the building and park at the edge of the car lot. Hip hop music was playing at a low volume but everyone close by could hear the bass effect. The roof slid close and the music was switched off; the engine too but the driver stayed put.

“Hmm, you students get money o!” Cindy muttered.

Jennifer frowned at her. Whoever she was, she obviously didn’t know Banks well enough. “Why do you want to see Banks?”

Cindy hesitated. She looked at the red convertible again and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. “Is that he?”

“You haven’t answered me,” Jennifer replied.

“I have a message for him, something… personal.”

Jennifer eyed her. She looked harmless enough. Moreover, Banks could take care of himself alright. She had promised herself she’d stay off his case.

“I was going to say hi to him anyway, come…” She said despite herself.

They both got to their feet and walked towards the convertible.

Cindy had never felt tense walking up to a guy before. This was the guy that hadn’t hesitated to take on Sting, Spencer, Kunle and Ben to protect Nicky… and he drove a convertible, how awesome! She took in deep breaths to calm her nervous state and walked behind Jennifer. Her mind wandered as to what her guide’s relationship was with the guy. She’d suddenly seemed protective of him.

Banks saw them through his side mirror as they approached his car. He didn’t recognize Jennifer’s friend. He alighted and went to open the back door to take out a few text books. Jennifer and Cindy arrived just as he shut the door.

“Jenny, hi!” He greeted.

Jennifer’s head was tilted and her eyes riveted on the books in his arm instead. She read out the title that caught her attention. “Dave Kobrenski! DJOLIBA CROSSING! I never knew you had this book.” The shared a half-hug.

“It’s not mine. Borrowed it from Dr. Rose two months ago for my project proposal - the rest of them too. I’m returning them to her after the exams.”

Jennifer took it from him and looked at the cover before giving it back. “So, ready for your finals?”

“It’s just Art Methods and Rhetoric. A two-credit unit course.”

Jennifer smiled. “I’m glad one of us is optimistic which means I’d sit right beside you."

Banks laughed. "As if you haven't crammed the entire note into that photocopier brain of yours."

Jennifer chuckled. "Don't I wish you are right. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine.” He replied off-handedly. “Who is your friend? I don’t think I’ve seen her before.”

Jennifer eyes widened in remembrance and turned to Cindy with an apologetic smile. “Sorry…”

Cindy shrugged. She offered Banks a handshake. “Hi, I’m Cindy. I’ve been looking for you all over campus.”

Banks’ blood ran cold and he did a double take. “Cindy? Uhm... Lade’s friend?” He asked. The hope in his voice was unmistakable.

“Who is Lade?” Cindy asked looking puzzled.

Banks flushed in embarrassment. Jennifer felt awkward standing there. Of all the assumptions to make…

“Wait! You mean Nicky, right? Yes! I am so used to calling her Nicky that I forget her real name is Lade.”

Banks looked relieved. “Of course it is! This is a pleasant surprise!” He had his easy going smile out now.

“Really? You don’t even know why I am here.”

Banks’ smile faded the next instant. Of course she was her for Lade. Had she sent Cindy? Was Lade in trouble? He looked at Jennifer, uncomfortable that she was listening in on the conversation. Jennifer understood the look even though it had been brief.

“I think I should excuse you guys. Banks, I’ll come get you once the invigilators arrive.” She squeezed his arm and patted it, walking away with her head high and the early sting of tears in her eyes.

Banks shrugged at Cindy’s puzzled look. “My friends are… fond of me.” He sighed. “You’re right,” he continued. “I don’t know why you are here. Did she send you? How is she? Where is she?”

Cindy was overwhelmed by his earnestness. “She didn’t send me. I have to come on my own because I am worried. She is at home. She is…” She hesitated.

The books seemed too heavy all of a sudden. He placed them on the top of his car. A gust of harmattan wind blew the cover page of the book on top open. Banks turned them around so that the books’ spines were in the way of the wind. He turned to catch her eye.

“She is what?” He hoped he didn’t sound half as anxious as he felt.

“She is… she’s hurting.”

Banks was astonished. “Hurting!” He repeated the troubling word.

“Two days ago, I came home from… work… and went to her apartment to see how she was faring. I found her unconscious on the bedroom floor. She had… she had overdosed on heroin and was dying.”

Banks jolted from the news. “My goodness! Which hospital is she in now?”

Cindy sneered. “Hospital ke! Sting doesn’t let us go to hospital. He brings a doctor to give us home care.”

Banks shook his head in disgust. He looked at Cindy and wondered at her motives for seeking him out.

Cindy knew mistrust when she saw one. She also knew where this one is coming from. “I know what you are probably thinking - that this is a trap.”

Banks shrugged. “The thought crossed my mind.”

“Well, it’s possible. It’s also possible that I care about Nicky… Lade as well. She is a good person… better than the rest of us. She deserves a better life, and while she has something better to run away to…” She faltered as her emotions became unhinged. “Don’t you think she should while she still can?”

Banks blinked in surprise. Here it was from another pair of lips. A smile tugged the corner of his lips. It was confirmation; love wasn’t blinding him. Someone else close to her really saw her for who she was. Somebody somewhere shouted a warning, interrupting them. Suddenly, all the students hanging around at the back of the lecture building got to their feet and entered inside while talking among themselves. Banks looked down at his wrist watch and sighed.

“Listen, Cindy…” he turned to the building’s back entrance to see Jennifer waiting for him.

“You have exams to write.”

“My finals. After this one, I’m free of this place. Will you wait for me to finish?”

Cindy frowned at the idea of hanging around campus.

“It won’t be long. Two hours tops, and I’ll be out.”

“Is there like a cafeteria, or somewhere I can wait? I don’t really like the idea of waiting out here for two hours.”

“There is a youth friendly center just behind the Etisalat building. All you have to do is write your name… or any name at all, they don’t ask for identification… on a registration book. You can…” He digs for his wallet and slips out a thousand-naira note. “…have a drink or play a game or watch a movie… anything that catches your fancy.”

Cindy declined the money, wished him good luck on his exam and left to follow his directions to the etisalat building.

For the first time since that awful night, he had a genuine smile even as he watched her walk away. It was rueful, but with a tinge of hope. He turned to go join Jennifer with Dr. Rose’s books under his arms and a spring on his step.

Jennifer noted his light hearted smile and nodded. “You’re going to see her again?”

“Yes, after the paper.” He took her hand in his.

“Will you take Andy at least, just in case?” Her major worry was for his security. Banks put an arm around her shoulder, nodded and together they walked into the building with the rest of their class for the last time.

***

Banks took his time to get his answers right (or so he thought) even though he finished in record time. Composing himself was the harder part, but he organized his thoughts and emotions enough to focus on the questions on his papers. He couldn’t afford to flunk such an important paper regardless of the circumstances. He was out before anyone else though, without so much as a glance at Jennifer. He got into his car and drove off to find Cindy.

They talked. It felt good talking to someone who knew Lade too; not in the light the whole world saw her in, but up close, personal. They swapped stories about her… she told her the good ones anyway and he didn’t ask about the ugly ones – the ones Charlie told him at Barrister Juliet’s office.

Andy called just as they were about to leave and they had lunch while they waited for him to arrive. Andy entered the eating hall just as they finished. Cindy left for the ladies room while Banks updated him. Andy didn’t waste any time in making his position clear. He repeated a thousand and one reasons why Banks shouldn’t go looking for Lade, reasons Banks had already considered. He was single minded though and wouldn’t listen. He’d go alone if all Andy came to do was to nag him.

It was almost dusk when they drove past Lade’s apartment building and pulled up three blocks away. Cindy was in the back seat while Andy was in the shotgun seat.

“All that is left now is to convince her to leave with you. I could go up and try, but…”

Andy didn’t understand until he saw Banks nod at her. He jerked around in his seat to face Cindy with an incredulous look on his face. “So that was the plan all along. You lure him up into that building where your boss or his boys are waiting for him, then what?”

Banks sighed. “Relax Andy!”

“Unbelievable! We are about to enter the property of a love-vendor to steal one of his girls and you ask me to… especially when it smells so much like a fucking trap! Have you forgotten how to think? Send her to bring Lade down if she’s serious.”

Cindy rolled her eyes. “That was what I was trying to explain,” she said.

Banks grabbed Andy’s hand and tried squeezing the sense in. “Lade is not aware of all this! Do you understand, Andy? It isn’t her friend’s place to convince her. It’s has to be me. So yes, I’m going in there to see her and talk to her into coming with me. Yes, me!”

Andy pulled his hand from Banks grasp, sat properly in his seat and looked out the window without another word.

Cindy announced that she’d go in first just so as not to be seen with them. She gave Banks directions to Lade’s apartment and promised to meet him there. She alighted and they watched her walk back and enter the gated compound.

“Did you bring the gun at least?” Andy asked.

Banks shook his head. “I didn’t want her to know where my studio is.”

Andy sighed. His discomfort was unnerving.

Banks noticed three young ladies exit the same compound dressed in short, tight clothes that covered the essential parts but suggested a lot. They all headed in the opposite direction, talking as a group as they walked.

“This is crazy, Banks. No, worse, suicide! If anyone sees you…”

“I know.” Banks cracked his door open. Andy sighed and opened his too. “No, Andy you’ll wait here.”

If eyes could shoot daggers, Banks face would’ve gotten as pockmarked as an amateur's dart board after target practice. “The hell I am! I won’t allow you go in there alone. What if something goes wrong?”

“It’s just a lodge for his girls. No guys around. And it’s almost dark, I think I can slip around on my own.” Banks raised his hand to halt the fresh burst of arguments Andy was about to burst into. “We need a look out Andy, so shut it and stay! If I’m not back in thirty minutes, call Bayo and Tunde to help you figure it out.” He alighted and looked around. It was quiet. Just bushes around. The next house was quite some distance ahead of them. Maybe he’d get lucky and get through this half-baked crazy idea of his without a hitch.

***

Lade’s eyes were glued to the TV screen watching A NIGHT OF A THOUSAND LAUGHS; an annual, local comedy show which featured the best comedians in the country. Only, Lade’s face was drawn. She didn’t find the artiste’s antics funny as he gallivanted around the stage. She picked up the remote from the floor beside her and switched the channel. The next was cartoon. She switched without a second thought. The next showed a pastor preaching. The next was something even less interesting. She sighed and turned it off.

She got up and stretched, yawning. She was wearing a yellow, long sleeve sweater and black jean shorts that stopped mid-thigh. She went to pee in the bathroom, limping. There hadn’t been any fracture, just a little swelling were a ligament tore. It’d heal at its own pace, the doctor had said. She flushed the toilet, rinsed her hand in the sink and came out to ransack her table top refrigerator for something to drink when she heard the knock on the door.

It sounded quick, yet timid, different from Cindy’s loud knocks which she’d become accustomed to. She frowned. Then it sounded again, a bit more urgent. Lade limped into the bedroom filled with trepidation. No, if it was Sting or Spencer, the buzz would already be in the air before they got to her floor. It had to be Cindy checking up on her again.
“I no sabi which day wey you turn nurse Cindy…” She pulled the locks. “I am an adult and capable of…” She threw open the door. “…taking care of myself.” The last part was a whisper. The shape of her mouth had become an incredulous 'O'.

Banks smiled at her. “Of course you are! May I come in?”

She pulled Banks by his shirt into the apartment, took a quick glance at the corridor behind him to ascertain it was empty and shut the door after her. She turned to face him. He was looking around the room. It was untidy as usual but that was the least of her troubles.

Banks turned to look at her more closely and frowned at the almost healed bruises on her face. She couldn’t even meet his gaze. Banks covered the space between them and wrapped his arm around her. She was slow in stepping out of his embrace before he locked her in. He felt her body wrack in silent sobs and relax against him. Her warm tears wet his neck. Banks planted soft, placating kisses on her locks, relishing the perfume of her shampoo. He kissed her forehead, then her temple, then the top of her eyes and trailed down to her left, salty cheek, then the corner of her lip.

She turned her head to capture his lips in hers and kissed him back. It was as hot as the last time. She whimpered when he bit her lower lip softly. She breathed him in and could only find out that she wanted more. She pushed him away and stepped back, almost stumbling, and frowned in confusion.

Banks ignored the question in her eyes and reached to touch the bruise on her cheek. “Sting hit you.” It was more of an assessment than a question.

‘It doesn’t matter,” She replied. “How did you find me?”

Banks stepped closer again. She stepped away. He gave up, or at least pretended to. “Your friend Cindy…”

“Cindy!” Lade was surprised.

“Yes, she found me and I came… as soon as I could.”

Lade turned to limp back to her bed. She sat on it, her face clouded by a thoughtful frown. Cindy had gone to look for Banks? Why? How? Okay, she’d told him a few things about the guy the other night she OD’d and yet she of all people knew how dangerous this was. She looked up and found him watching her intensely. Anger perhaps, and lots of concern.

“You shouldn’t have come,” She said. “It is risky and you know it.”

“Well, what was I to do? I had to, Lade. I had to see you again… to tell you…” he walked over to her bed and got down on one knee in front of her, taking her hand in his. He could see the fear and anxiety in her eyes as he did this.

“These past few days,” he continued. “…have been like…like I’ve been disconnected from myself. I’ve needed to tell you that, I don’t care what they say you’ve done. I don’t care what you’ve done Lade. I’ve been in love with you since as far back as I remember. I can’t deny that. I can’t overlook that. I love you. And it’s like my mother say; it is deep and dark… and dirty maybe… but I’ll gladly go there with you, as long as you feel for me the same way I feel for you. All we need is for you to give us a chance to start over, and I’ll do all in power to show you how it was meant to be… how it is supposed to be. Please come with me. I’m not afraid to help you if you’re willing to try.” Tears crept into his eyes as he spoke. His sincerity made the room so suffocating despite the fan.

Lade couldn’t help but start sobbing, her head falling low. Banks got off his knees and sat on the bed beside her. He took her arms in his, “please,” he said again and again. Almost despairing at her reluctance to leap at his suggestion. Olives. That was the shampoo’s fragrance. Nostagia threatened to break him.

Especially when she pulled away from him and looked him in the eye searching…

She saw sincerity. And fear. Uncertainty too. Yet he seemed resolved like there was no other way forward. In truth, this was the only way forward if this was what she wanted. Was it? How far can your feelings take you? Cindy’s question haunted. Nonetheless, she knew this was it. Her chance was knocking. She wasn’t going to die in some crappy hovel, a coke, brain-caked LovePeddler, owned by a drug dealing fiend who hit her and gave her no say in her own life. She used to be a normal university student once upon a time. Before shit hit the fan. The sweetest part of it all, it was the guy she actually loved who was asking. The only man who knew her well enough and still gave her the one thing she didn’t deserve. Respect.

She pushed Cindy’s question far from her mind. Wasn’t it still Cindy that went to find him? “I’ll pack a few things.” She said simply.

Banks pulled her into another hug, sighing in relief. Lade hugged him back, too frightened of the rest of it. A nagging anxiety tugged at the back of her mind that she said, “Now my life is in your hands, Peter. Strangely, I feel good about it.”

Banks released her from the hug and looked at her finding only the mirror image of his own sincerity. Lade got off the bed and went to the ward robe, took out a small travelling bag and started packing a few important clothes. Undies first. A few stay-at-home clothes. The toiletries and deodorants on the dresser table.

Banks settled back to watch her pack. He couldn’t believe he was going through with this. If anything went wrong now, they’d be in soup. He could lose her for good. What next now? Where would he take her? His mother was out of town. His studio was vacant. But they’ll be much safer at home, that is if Vanessa would be accommodating.

Vanessa! Now would be as good a time as any to call her and warn her he was bringing home a guest – Lade for that matter.

Then, they heard a knock on the door. They both froze. Fright leaped into Lade’s eyes. She saw Banks sit up and signaled him to enter the adjourning kitchen. Banks obeyed immediately. He got to his feet and tip-toed out of the room. He was amazed at the contrast. It was tidy and fully equipped. Unlike the bedroom. He noticed the adjourning restroom, ignored it and listened.

He heard a second knock on the door and heard Lade ask with a clear voice. “Cindy, is that you?” Someone responded. Next, he heard the door unlock and parted the curtains to peep. He saw Lade open the door to peep outside.

Lade looked past Cindy’s shoulder to look at both ends of the corridor. Cindy’s lips widened in a knowing smile. She had a purse.

“Nicky,” she began. “Are you hiding something in there?” Her voice was teasing.

Lade rolled her eyes at Cindy and opened the door wider for Cindy to walk past her into the room. Lade locked it after her and went back to her packing without sparing her a glance.

Cindy saw Banks standing by the door into the kitchen but didn’t acknowledge his presence. Her gaze swept the room and saw Lade zipping up her small luggage. Cindy walked over to her just as she slung the bag’s strap over her shoulder.

“Are you sure you want to go with him?” Cindy asked.

Lade nodded and finally looked up at her, unable to hide her apprehension further.

Cindy smiled at her. “I knew you’d be brave enough to do the right thing. Come here.” They hugged each other. Cindy released Lade, then unzipped her purse to show Lade its contents. Lade gasped and rubbed her nose, throwing a quick glance at Banks who watched them from the kitchen doorway. Cindy zipped the bag and handed it to her. Lade hesitated and scratched her nose.

Cindy shrugged. “Call it my send forth gift. Anything you like.”

“But I can’t! It’s too much. I may not need it, since I’m…”

Cindy interrupted. “For… con…contingencies, right?” She smiled at the word. “For just in case… Look, it’s a crazy world out there, and I’m happy for you…” she shrugged

Banks walked towards them. “It’s okay Lade,” he said. “Take whatever you think you may need. We’ll figure it out later.”

Lade nodded. She couldn’t hide the relief and gratitude on her face as she took the purse from Cindy. It was almost embarrassing, but she was with her friends.

“Hopefully, she won’t need it.” Cindy said to Banks who nodded.

“We need to go while we still can.” He looked at his watch. It’d been almost thirty minutes since he left the Andy at the car.

Lade hugged Cindy again, looking like she was going to break down in tears. “You can come along, you know. You too can leave all this and start a normal life.”

Cindy chuckled and gently pulled away from the hug. Her smile was a sad one. “That route for me has come and gone. People like me can’t change anymore. Anything else will be pretense.”

“That’s not true,” Banks interjected. “We all can change. It’s just easier not to.”

Cindy smiled wistfully, recalling memories she’d rather not share and shook her head as if to shake them away. She took a step forward in Banks direction and hugged him. “You’re a good man, Peter,” she said. “I know you’d take good care of her. Good luck.” Banks nodded. She turned to Lade whose eyes were swollen with tears already.

“This life is shit Cindy!” Lade said. “Just stay alive! It’ll be better for both of us. I know it deep in my heart.”

Cindy nodded “Better for you, I pray. You’re so much better than this and you’re lucky to find a guy who sees you too. the real you. Now, it’s time to go, Nicky. Let’s not waste any further time on talk. We’ve been lucky so far.”

Her last hug with Lade was brief. Cindy watched her exit the room. The tears rolled freely now, and she didn’t bother holding any of it back. Finally, this was something she could remember with pride. Assuming she survived long enough to see the end of it. This was just the beginning of it. She sat on Lade’s bed and scrolled through her cell phone. She found it – Danny’s picture. He was so roguishly handsome. The tears resumed.

“I’m not a coward,” she stuttered in between fresh sobs. Presence of fear is common sense. It isn’t the absence of courage. But she knew it wasn’t entirely true. When she’d needed to show her courage she had been too afraid to do the right thing.

Cindy shook the depressing thoughts out of her head. She’d done something good today even if it came nowhere close to making up for what she’d done in the past.

***

Andy had gotten in behind the wheels from where he watched the headlamp of the vehicle approaching in the distance opposite him. It was long past thirty minutes, but he was close enough to hear any commotions in the compound, of which there had been none. Only one other vehicle had driven past since Banks entered lodge and it had come from behind him. He’d had jitters, the magnitude he’d never thought he’d ever find himself having. He’d called Tunde who for whatsoever reason didn’t pick his call. But that car had disappeared down the curve ahead. Hopefully, this was a passer-by. As it got closer to the building, he realized it was a Hilux truck and it was slowing down. It stopped just opposite the gate and killed its headlights. Andy dialed Banks’ number only to get network busy. He almost hit the wheels in frustration but stopped himself before his hand hit the horn button. He tried Banks’ number again

Spencer alighted from the car and frowned at the car parked a few blocks away. He couldn’t make out the model of the car for it was dark already. He was in a hurry to meet up with Sting anyway. He went to the back seat and took out a school bag. The plan was to leave the bag with Cindy to distribute to the rest of the girls. He carried the bag across to the gate and heard a cell phone suddenly ring out. The gate opened just as he got to it. He was surprised to see a stranger exiting, digging for a ringing phone from one of his trouser pockets. No, not a stranger, for he seemed familiar. It was when Lade exited after him with a light luggage that Spencer recognized him. He was taken aback. They both wore the same surprised look on their faces. Like they’d just been caught red-handed. Like when he had been caught with his hand under the Reverend’s fourteen year old daughter’s skirt in the dark barn behind his father’s house when he was fifteen. Spencer threw a glance at the car parked ahead and put two ‘n’ two together.

But that was all Banks needed. He’d recovered from his shock a lot earlier with the realization that it had been too much to hope he’d get in and out of a compound owned by Sting without confrontation. He saw his chance when Spencer turned again to frown at the car. Banks swung a heavy right fist at Spencer’s face and felt his nose cartilage crack on impact.

Spencer staggered at the unexpected punch but stayed on his feet, his surrounding disappearing briefly in a mirage of blinding stars.

“Lade! Quick! Over there! He pointed Lade to the car. Shock and fright had numbed her brain when she saw Spencer. Banks’ shout sent jolts through her brain enough to will her legs to run towards the car she now saw parked down the street before she could think of it. All her mind could think of was that there was no going back now. She was in this now and would be running from Sting for the rest of Sting’s existence or her life – whichever outlasted the other.

Spencer got his bearing at the sound of running feet and turned in time to see the sucker punch coming. Experience kicked in. He leaned back enough for Banks to miss his second and punched back catching Banks square on the jaw. His vision got clearer with every split second.

Spencer head-butted Banks and wrestled him to the floor and got astride him, felt him try to dislodge him from underneath, tightened his knees and rained the blows on his face. Lade was forgotten in that moment. Revenge for his broken, bleeding nose and humiliation on the other night overtook anything else.

Andy was afraid the commotion the fighters were making would attract others. He leaned over to open the front passenger door to Lade who’d just arrived at the car. He turned on the inner light of the car and nodded at her. She seemed relieved to see it was him. She got in and gasped when she noticed Spencer on top of Banks.

“Oh my God! I thought he was right behind me!” Andy shook his head and looked at her. Despair was painted all her face. She looked at him and saw anger in that brief look – anger directed at her, it seemed to her. “Someone will hear soon enough, and then it’ll get worse,” she said.

Andy grunted in agreement. He turned the key in the ignition. The engine started. He pumped the gas and the engine revved. He turned on the headlamps.
It was the sound of the engine revving and the headlamps that broke Spencer’s concentration. He looked around and saw the headlamps bearing down on him.

Banks, who had spent a better of the past minute parrying blows even though a few had connected, recognized his opportunity when it finally came. He’d felt Spencer’s thighs slacken when he turned and didn’t wait another second. Decorum to the wind; this was a street fight and not a wrestling match. Banks grabbed Spencer’s balls through his loose chinos trousers and squeezed his nuts hard.

Spencer’s screamed like a banshee ghost just come alive. He jerked off Banks, but not quick enough. Banks scrambled to his feet after Spencer not letting go of his balls. Spencer threw Banks a punch in a weak attempt to dislodge him. Banks held on and only squeezed some more. The next series of screams died in Spencer’s throat. He lurched, and bent over Banks’ grip like he was going to vomit. He squealed instead. His jaws fell open as short gasps escaped his mouth. His eyes were red and wide open like he was seeing a trance. His pain was so much it was telepathic. Banks winced and shuddered involuntarily. He released Spencer’s balls and kneed him on his stomach.

Spencer had only one thought in his mind which was to get away from his opponent. He staggered on weak knees, still bent over, into the path of the approaching headlamps of the Mercedes. The car didn’t even stop. It hit him straight on. Spencer got thrown to the side of the road and rolled into the ditch.

Multiple startled cries only meant they’d been discovered. Banks’ blood froze. He turned to see a few girls from Lade’s compound who were watching from the gate. It was Spencer’s screams that had brought them out he reckoned, as he began to run after the Mercedes. Andy braked long enough for Banks to catch up, open the back door and jump in, before hightailing it out of the street like their lives depended on it, a vice grip on the wheels.

Lade climbed into the back next to Banks sprawled in the back seats catching his breath. He sat up to make space for her to seat in. He tried to smile to reassure her in her frightened state but failed. His face was raw and bloody from the beating Spencer had given him. In dim lights in the car, she could see his shirt was dirty

“You’re not going back,” he croaked.

Lade’s eyes misted. She nodded in agreement. She wasn’t going back, she repeated in her head. She wasn’t really clear on where she was going but she shared his resolve. He believed in her enough to risk his life fighting goons and killers. She wasn’t going to let him down. She reached for him with her right hand, her fingers trembling. Banks took her hand in his and squeezed it. A temporary calm encapsulated her anxiety. She sank back on the seat feeling like, maybe they stood a chance.

A tiny chance. She left her hand in his staring ahead, welcoming in her head whatever the future held – for the both of them. Life may have been cruel in the past, but time heals, or so they say – even if the clinic was a long drive.

I'd be back with more updates guys. Thanks as usual for all your encouragements and comments. Thumbs up to the ghost readers as well.

Back to my script. See y'all tomorrow.

wow!!!
Johnnysprugeon! This is a wonderful story.
I was feeling heal today. Thanks to your story, I feel better much, you write well, and smooth.

Mr Lobos, why does that name sound so familiar with that of a drug dealer in Power?

And the way you describe the sex, the drugs, I can't help but doff my hat RESPECT.......

tobex23:
wow!!!
Johnnysprugeon! This is a wonderful story.
I was feeling heal today. Thanks to your story, I feel better much, you write well, and smooth.

Mr Lobos, why does that name sound so familiar with that of a drug dealer in Power?

Lol yea, the movie inspired a lot. Ghost, his friend, dia choice of women. That was a very well written story. Tried to get the script but they turned my request down. Guess it's too soon.

tobex23:
And the way you describe the sex, the drugs, I can't help but doff my hat RESPECT.......

I was told ur not a good writer if your not honest with your descriptions. Especially since dis is not a fantasy story.

johnspurgeon014:


Lol yea, the movie inspired a lot. Ghost, his friend, dia choice of women. That was a very well written story. Tried to get the script but they turned my request down. Guess it's too soon.

Lol, I knew I couldn't be wrong, nice story you've got here. And your description is on point. Waiting for more update, wouldn't be bad if one drops tonight though.

tobex23:



Lol, I knew I couldn't be wrong, nice story you've got here. And your description is on point. Waiting for more update, wouldn't be bad if one drops tonight though.

Too bad, I have to focus on my script deadline. I'd take time off tomorrow morning to update. Sorry.

Hey boss!!!!! Nice 1..mre grease 2 yah elbow.... More boss

Such a captivating piece with a scintillating diction


Kudos, keep it coming.

Thumbs up John Spurgeon

heemah:
Wow! Wow!! What a nice piece!!!
Can't wait to read moreee. Thumbs up Johnspurgeon014

And wia did u disappear to bestie Missed u fah! Nice piece indeed. Saw the mention and well lemme jez say I'm impressed. The Content is superb, Diction - Excellent. Continue Johnspurgeon014. Heemah are the rest of the crew here?

DandyPearl:
And wia did u disappear to bestie Missed u fah! Nice piece indeed. Saw the mention and well lemme jez say I'm impressed. The Content is superb, Diction - Excellent. Continue Johnspurgeon014. Heemah are the rest of the crew here?

missed you more dear .... No they are not.

whn will I see an update*****

Na wa ooo, Oga John.....

heemah:

missed you more dear .... No they are not.

Then let's call dem. Mattkent, donkross1, maggielovely, calmdove, jaytoy, henz24, girlharley, damyem, sageez, afz9095. Comman see something ya'all

johnspurgeon014:


Donkross1
Mattkent
DandyPearl
Heemah
Sageez
Afz9095
DVMtuppence
Maggielovely
Labaski
Jaytoy
Calmdove
Damyem

I guess I'm gon do d tags myself. I'm losing interest in continuing this thread. No feedback, no more posts.

present
Just came across it. Nice job ..

johnspurgeon014:


Donkross1
Mattkent
DandyPearl
Heemah
Sageez
Afz9095
DVMtuppence
Maggielovely
Labaski
Jaytoy
Calmdove
Damyem

I guess I'm gon do d tags myself. I'm losing interest in continuing this thread. No feedback, no more posts.

owk I'm here. Sha na feedback u need? No 'p'. We are here

DandyPearl:
Then let's call dem. Mattkent, donkross1, maggielovely, calmdove, jaytoy, henz24, girlharley, damyem, sageez, afz9095. Comman see something ya'all

shift make I seatdown