Protected - Episode 3

 

Justice.

"If you look closely sir, you will see that this year's profits has greatly increased since we started the charity scheme."

I just stare at the scumbag doing the presentation.

Hell, am bored out of my mind, I hate coming for presentations, I leave that part of business to my sister julliet.

But since she has a child and a fiancee I decided to help.

Good thing I did too, if not I would not have noticed that this guy and some other A-holes in the company has been fleecing me.

I run an automobile company, I run a tight ship, no stray penny gets lost without being accounted for, this man and his cohorts are in for a big surprise.

He is trying to bluff his way through the presentation, hoping I won't notice that the company fund reserves has been tempered with.

I will give him 3 minutes to think he has gotten away with it before I crush him.

Just because I dropped out of my party and no longer want to contest for governorship this year does not mean I have lost my wits, it means am strategizing.

He opens his mouth to speak but I lift my hand, he quiets.

"Mr Collins, I am not here to talk about my charity fund today,"
.

"Oh but sir,.....…"

I lift  my hand again, he shuts up.

"We both know you've been stealing from the company, I want those funds returned in an hour's time or you and your family will be leaving under a bridge".

I can hear some exclamation from the other suites sitting at the PT but I don't say anything, I just stare at scumbag Collins.

He nods, I nod I get up.

"Have a nice day gentlemen"

I pick up my bottle of water and take a swallow.

Today's my nephew's 7th year birthday, I cant be late.

                       ***********

We got to Lagos at about 7, Jesus, this place is big, it is also populated.

I step out of the bus, am very scared, have never been away from home.

Is my aunty finding me? is she scared? Does she even care??

Am so confused on what to do, I raise the phone kelechi gave me, how do i even use this.

Am approached by an haggard looking young man, am instantly on alert.

"Lady, do you want me to help you carry your bag to any bus stop?"

I glance at my bag at my feet and am taken aback by such kindness, people are so kind in Lagos.

I shake my head no, I don't really need any help, I just have to find Andrew's address.

He walks away to ask someone else and I realize it's his job, that he is being paid.

I feel foolish for thinking he was asking out of kindness.

I look at the phone again and dial Kele's number.

"Hey, Emily, are you there yet?"

She is speaking in whispers, am instantly concerned so I ask what is wrong, I can hear shouting in the background.

"It's your aunty, she is here, she thinks, mama and papa are hiding you"

Just like my aunt to be presumptuous.

"Kele, am so sorry for causing all these trouble"..

"Don't bother, it's alright, I guess you are there already, good, find Andrew's and call me when you do, I was not able to reach........"

The phone makes a sound and suddenly it goes off.

Eee, I used it to play games when I was bored in the car, how do I reach her now?.

I feel suddenly alone, I look around and I see a cab with taxi sign on top.

I walk to it after dropping my phone in my ghana-must-go, I will charge when I get to Andrew's place.

"Driver, here, am going to this address"

I hand the slip of paper to the driver and he glances it it.

" Ha, madam this place you are going to is very far o, we are at mile 2 now and you are going to ikotun, it's going to cost you about 5 thousand."

O my God, that's a lot of money.

"Oga driver please carry me for 2 thousand na"

He hesitates a bit before asking me to enter, am glad.

When we get there, I pay him his fare and I get down. Lagos must have the same landmarks in different places, I think I saw a statue more than once.

I approach the gate after asking around for the house no, the area is dark and looking like it's a bad part of town.

I enter and I see a man sitting outside, he looks to be receiving fresh air.

"Good evening brother"

"Good evening girl, how may I help you?"

"Sir am looking for Andrew, is he around"

"Who are you?"

"Am a friend of his".

"Well Andrew's friend, Andrew has traveled not too long ago, about two hours ago, you missed him"

The man was speaking but I was no longer interpreting, Andrew traveled ? How will I survive?.

I thank him and I make my way out of the house, it was at that moment I remember I forgot my ghana-must-go in the taxi drivers car, my phone and clothes are gone.

This is just too much, I begin to cry, my purse is with me but for how long?  I can see some guys looking at me like am fresh meat.

I hail a taxi and get in, I ask him to take me back to the bus park at mile 2.

He smiles kindly at me and I smile back, I stare out the window.

When we get there I count out 2 thousand from the money and give to him.

"No my daughter, this is too much, "

he gives me back 1500 and I realized the first taxi man cheated me, i shake my head.

Magic, you fool girl.

I walk back and I explain my situation to a night guard I see there and he nods.

"This is not a place for a lady, but I understand, you can stay for the night but tommorow you have to leave."

I nod, grateful.

I sit on a chair he offered me and I make my self comfortable as could be.

Well welcome to Lagos magic.

All episodes of this story can be found here >> https://www.ebonystory.com/story/protected

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Read " Twisted Twice, Twisted Mine " by the same author ( Bebe Ernest )