CASSANDRA
SEASON 2
Episode 8
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
We spent a whole lot of time with my sister and mother who were quite delighted to see Nora and I together. The topic of discussion soon centered on me after Nora told them all I passed through in the hands of Cassandra’s father. Nora really had a good descriptive prowess and she kind of held my sister and mother spell bound with her story.
All I could do was just to look down in shame. Yes I really felt embarrassed listening as she narrated my ordeal.
‘’you are really God sent my dear. You now see the reason why you guys should be together. You are stronger together than apart. I see my son is slowly coming to his senses and you have to be with him to support and guide him to the right track’’ my mother slowly chipped in with an understanding smile, while Nora keep quiet, saying nothing.
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When we finally got set to leave, my sister gave me the contact of one of Cassandra’s friends.
‘’her name is Jessica, she is Cassandra’s neighbor and I feel if anyone is to know Cassandra’s whereabouts, she would be the one to know. Anyway just be civil with her, don’t be aggressive or she won’t speak to you’’ she advised, equally describing the girl’s physical looks to me.
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As Nora and I headed home afterwards, all that occupied my mind was finding Cassandra. I couldn’t even start a conversation with Nora who was sitting beside me because I was so preoccupied with my thoughts. I desperately needed to get to the root of the matter. I desperately needed to unravel all the mysteries concerning Cassandra’s disappearance. That was the only way I could be free to start a better life for myself.
‘First thing tomorrow I will head to Cassandra’s school to search for Jessica and also Edwin. Yes Edwin, how did I even forget about him? I know he runs frequent tabs on Cassandra and I can bet he will have a clue on where to find the silly girl’’ I reasoned with a smile.
‘’but how do I convince Edwin to work with me?’’ another part of me asked, throwing me back to another level of thinking. To and fro my mind wandered till we got to Nora’s house.
‘’I plan heading over to Cassandra’s school to start my own investigations. It’s something I have to do on my own. I can’t leave the police on this’’ I explained to Nora who shrugged and smiled as she opened the car door to alight.
‘’don’t get shot over there’’ she said with a smile, alighting from the car. I silently watched her walk into her apartment, swallowing hard as I admired her curves. I couldn’t help but notice that I instantly felt h---y. Yes it had been long I last made love to a woman and it really was telling on my body system.
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Early the next day as I got set to embark on my quest to find Cassandra; my friend Chinedu walked in unannounced. I frowned on seeing him as all I passed through days ago without his help flashed into my head. But then, a quick apology from him and some jokes soon made me loosen up with him. I told him all that happened, hiding nothing.
‘’I’m really sorry that I wasn’t around to assist but count on me from now onwards’’ he promised when I was done with my story.
‘’of course you know i need every help I can get. I plan going to Cassandra’s lodge to search for her. You can come with me’’ I offered. He quickly nodded in agreement, bringing out a smile from my face with his acceptance.
‘’first, I have to call the police inspector to speak with him, afterwards I will call Jessica; the girl my sister said I should contact before we proceed on the difficult task’’ I breathed as I grabbed my phone.
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An hour and half later, Chinedu and I arrived at Cassandra’s hostel. I slowly parked my car at the spot Edwin and his gang beat me up the previous year. I bit my lips as the memory flashed back into my head. I almost ran my car into a black SUV equally parked at the spot. Chinedu eyed me with concern. I gave him a reassuring smile.
‘’I’m cool bro’’ I stammered, freezing as my eyes fell on a young man who was coming out of the big hostel. He was no other person than the doctor, Cassandra’s new boyfriend. I breathed furiously.
‘’that’s him. That’s the doctor Cassandra rubbed on my face the previous year’’ I said with a raised tone, pointing at the young man.
‘’but, but, but I thought you told me he travelled out of the country?” Chinedu asked curiously.
Instead of replying him, I bolted out of the car and ran towards the young man who was really shocked to see me. I quickly grabbed him by collar, not minding the environment.
I shook him furiously with great strength, giving him no chance to fight back.
‘’you b-----d!, where is Cassandra?’’ I asked furiously.
Episode 9
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
‘’you b-----d!, tell me; where is Cassandra?” I asked breathlessly, shaking the young man furiously. Chinedu quickly did the right thing by separating us. He pushed me backwards, begging me to calm down.
‘’I heard you were locked up by the police for Cassandra’s disappearance?. Why are you now asking me about Cassandra?” the young doctor quickly asked, trying his best to compose himself.
‘’I just got back to the country yesterday, to learn that my Cassandra is still missing. Why are you here?. Are you not supposed to be in police custody?” he asked furiously, taking a surprising step towards me. Chinedu quickly blocked him.
‘’listen guys, we are in a public place. We have many things to sort out concerning Cassandra’s disappearance but not here. Actually my friend thought you left the country with Cassandra in order to get back at him but your reaction is currently proving otherwise. We definitely have a big issue to tackle but not here. Unless we wish to embarrass ourselves before the little kids around’’ he said intelligently. The doctor nodded, drew back and headed to his car.
‘’this isn’t over David. I will find you. You have a lot of explanations to make’’ he breathed, entered his car and drove off. I shook my head with disbelief.
‘’what do you think?. ‘’ I asked Chindeu who shrugged.
‘’the young man looked very surprised when you asked about Cassandra. Perhaps he isn’t responsible for her disappearance. Perhaps Cassandra never got to his house that very evening she left yours’’ he answered slowly.
‘’what could it then mean’’ I asked quickly.
‘’it means two things brother. Either Cassandra is with another man or she is already dead. A girl can’t just disappear like that without a trace’’ he breathed, sending more fear into my heart.
The last thing I wanted was Cassandra being dead but then just like my friend said, a girl like her couldn’t just disappear without a trace. My last suspicion fell on Edwin but then I saw the young man as nothing but a rascal. I never had reason to believe that he could have the capability or means of kidnapping Cassandra for such a long time. I could only come up with three half baked theories that moment
‘’firstly; Either Edwin killed Cassandra that very night and disposed her body which kind of looked impossible for a guy like him, or secondly Cassandra got involved with another guy who did the dirty work. Or thirdly, the doctor actually did the killing, disposed her body and had to throw off every suspicion by quickly travelling out’’ I reasoned.
‘’hey good day; Are you the guy who called to see me?”’ I soon heard a very young beautiful girl ask, drawing close to us. I smiled nervously as I stared at her.
‘’you are Cassandra’s friend?’’ I asked softly. She nodded quickly.
‘’I’m David and this is my friend Chinedu’’ I quickly introduced.
‘’so can we talk somewhere, preferably in your room?’’ I asked. She stared at us suspiciously, shaking her head.
‘’okay fine we can talk here.’’ I breathed.
‘’listen; I’m being accused of being behind Cassandra’s disappearance and I need your help. I guess you are one of her friends that know a lot about her. I guess you also knew she came to visit me that very night she disappeared. The truth is that we argued and she left my apartment. I felt she went to spend the night with her doctor friend only to discover weeks later that’s she’s missing. At first I thought it was nothing but a setup to get back at me until her father showed up to arrest me. Please if you know anything that can help me find Cassandra, better spit it out now. Of course I will settle you handsomely and also know that your friend could be in danger if she really is missing and anything you say to me could be helpful’’ I begged breathlessly. The young girl took a deep breath, stared at me for some seconds before shrugging.
‘’Cassandra is a very good friend. Some people may see her as greedy and deceitful but deep down she has a very good heart. Yes she is actually missing and at first I really thought you had something to do with it until this moment you spoke to me. I really don’t know but since she isn’t with you, it could then be that she’s with Edwin. I feel somehow Edwin finally got her. The dude has been a pest in her life and since Cassandra disappeared, the dude hasn’t been seen around this vicinity and the bad thing about it is that no one knows much about him. He has been here longer that ninety nine percent of the students. We all met him here and no one unless perhaps members of his gang can tell his background or where to find him’’ she revealed, leaving me totally speechless with the revelation.
‘’but why haven’t you told the police anything?’’ Chinedu quickly chipped in.
‘’the police hasn’t been here. The campus security only came once with Cassandra’s father and all they did was to break into her room’’ she answered.
‘’I guess we have a lot to talk about. Please let’s go somewhere more private’’ I slowly offered with a pleading look. The Young girl accepted after a slight hesitation and together we headed to a small eatery few kilometers away.
Episode 10
David’s side of the story continues;
As narrated by David
We had a long chat with the young girl who really answered all we asked her even though most of her answers weren’t overly helpful but at least they gave us a little insight on what to expect in future concerning Cassandra and Edwin. With all the information we could gather from her, Chinedu and I couldn’t help but feel that Edwin could be very responsible for Cassandra’s disappearance but then finding Edwin was the big deal. According to the girl no one except perhaps members of his gang could know his background and whereabouts.
We finally headed back home, happy that at least we were making a breakthrough. I had many plans running through my head that moment. Of course getting a rascal like Edwin surely needed a whole lot of planning.
‘’but what if Cassandra isn’t with him?’’ another part of me wondered.
Chinedu however soon broke the silence between us with a very shocking revelation..
‘’I don’t know brother but I think I’m very much attracted to that Jessica. She looks so different from all the girls I have come across. I just can’t describe how I felt as a listened to her talk with us. My hands kept shaking with excitement as I stared at her’’ he confessed, forcing me to give him a curious look and smile.
‘’she’s Cassandra’s friend’’ I reminded him.
‘’of course I know but that doesn’t mean she is as bad as Cassandra. Don’t you see how she opened up to us’’ he defended quickly.
‘’she opened up to us because she had no other option’’ I quickly pointed out.
‘’I’m going to ask her out’’ he muttered after a little silence while I shrugged with a smile. I had my own problems to worry about and I didn’t argue with him.
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After dropping off Chinedu at his apartment, I headed over to Nora’s house to pay her a short visit. Just like in previous times I was nervous as I knocked on her door because I really didn’t know what to expect.
‘’hey it’s you?’’ she murmured with a smile as soon as she opened the door to see me.
‘’expecting someone else?’’ I asked curiously as I walked in.
‘’yes, my sister went over to my salon to pick up some things. I will resume work on Monday’’ she replied quickly. I stared at her with a smile.
‘’now what?’’ she asked with a playful look which encouraged me to draw closer to her. I stared into her eyes, smiling softly.
‘’I succeeded in meeting the girl today. I mean Cassandra’s friend and according to all she told me, I think Edwin could be behind Cassandra’s disappearance’’ I informed her softly.
‘’that’s great, I hope you have told the police?. Edwin should be arrested immediately’’ she quickly breathed, surprisingly grabbing my hand affectionately.
‘’that’s the problem. Edwin equally has disappeared. He hasn’t showed up in the neighborhood this year and I don’t think our police have the capability of finding a guy like him. I think I will do it on my own’’ I breathed..
‘’noooooooo you can’t, what do you mean finding him on your own?’’ she fired back, tightening her grip on my hand. I looked into her eyes; all I saw was real love, real passion, great feelings and deep care.
I instantly felt like grabbing and kissing her sweet lips. I instantly felt like making hot love to her there and then. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, my phone rang than moment, breaking the passionate tension in the room.
As I picked my phone, my little son started crying and Nora quickly went to attend to him.
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The number that called was hidden and I couldn’t help but wonder who could be calling with a hidden number but as I answered the call, fear gripped me as I recognized the voice of the caller who was no other person than Edwin.
‘’Mr. David, what did I do to you?’’ he asked softly, leaving me stunned with the question.
‘’why won’t you let me be?. I already left my school for you, still you won’t let me have rest of mind’’ he said with a cold tone.
‘’You came to my school once again, looking for Cassandra. You came looking for my wife when you have yours. Isn’t that greed?. I hope you know what happens to greedy men?. They get burnt’’ he added, while I listened, unable to say a word.
‘’The more you get yourself involved in my business, the more you put your family and friends in danger. You just put the innocent girl you talked with today in great danger and that’s bad. You still don’t know what I’m capable of’’ he threatened softly.
‘’where is Cassandra you scumbag?. Are you with her?”’ I asked loudly, breathing heavily.
‘’you are asking if I’m with my wife? Hmmmmm. You are really sillier than I thought’’ he answered with a short laugh.
‘’oh and is that the cry of your little son that I’m hearing?. Yes I heard you have a son. Mmmmmmm and what makes a man go mad than taking what he cherishes the most?. In few days I will recite the poem *Twinkle, Twinkle little star* for your boy while you rest in peace inside a grave’’ he breathed and hung up, leaving me shaking with great fear.
Episode 11
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
I quickly dialed Jessica’s number to make sure she’s alright as soon as Edwin hung up, but unfortunately the girl’s number wasn’t reachable. I dialed Chinedu’s number and as soon as he answered quickly told him about the strange phone call I got from Edwin.
‘’I think he has Cassandra and I also fear that we just put Jessica in harm’s way. I tried calling her but couldn’t get to her’’ I opened up breathlessly.
‘’yes you are right. If Edwin can have the nerves to kidnap Cassandra all these while then that guy is capable of doing anything. I will try to see if I can get across to the girl today but if I fail to , it then means we will be heading back to the hostel to warn her’’ he said seriously.
I hung up to face Nora who was seriously staring at me.
‘’did anything else happen?’’ she asked quickly.
‘’the caller was Edwin, and with the way he sounded, I feel he is with Cassandra’’ I opened up to her softly. She stared at me with an anxious look.
‘’But that isn’t the main issue my dear’’ I added, studying her carefully.
‘’Edwin threatened to come for my family. He heard my son crying and threatened to kill me and take him. Yes I know he can’t accomplish that easily but then I have learnt not to underestimate that boy. He isn’t just a school cultist but a big time criminal’’ I slowly revealed to Nora, drawing close to hold her as she instantly colored up.
‘’If he could kidnap Cassandra for so long without anyone knowing his whereabouts; It means he can easily get us anytime he wants’’ she breathed.
‘’I’m not going to let that happen. I’m going to protect you and my son’’ I promised with all my heart.
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I ended up spending the whole day with Nora. I couldn’t get myself to leave her and my son all alone. It really wasn’t as if I could do anything to protect them supposing Edwin showed up with his gang but then being with her kind of created a strong bond or a form of security and oneness I really can’t explain.
Later in the evening, Nora virtually had to go down on her knees begging me to go home and take a rest.
‘’you can’t sit here all day like an old security man. It’s already 9pm. You need to go home and sleep. Nothing will happen to us’’ she begged with great concern but I really wasn’t ready to leave even though I badly needed a good night sleep.
To be sincere I really didn’t know what gave me the strength to make such a decision of not leaving her presence that very day. Perhaps it was because I felt Edwin could probably be in a corner watching my every move or perhaps it really was the first time my little son was being threatened and as a father I had to do everything necessary to protect him. I just didn’t know what got all over me that day.
‘’you should have told the police about the phone call you got from Edwin’’ Nora slowly added, watching me keenly.
‘’yes I will definitely report it on Monday but then I do know they can’t do anything about it. All the police need from me is more money. I just hope Cassandra’s father will show up at the police station on Monday’’ I breathed.
‘’poor man’’ She added in sympathy.
‘’seriously you mean you are not going home tonight?’’ she asked after a little silence. I nodded in affirmative.
She shrugged with resignation, shaking her head.
‘’how about taking a shower and sleeping on my bed?’’ she suddenly offered.
‘’never mind, I’m fine here’’ I replied, leaving her stunned with my reply.
———————
I ended up, spending the night on the couch and what a terrible night it was for me. I couldn’t sleep a wink all through and as early as 5:30am, Chinedu called me with some very bad news.
‘’Edwin carried out his threat on that girl. As we speak, the poor girl is currently battling with her life at the school teaching hospital’’ he announced softly. I gasped with shock
‘’my God!; How did it happen?’’ I breathed.
‘’of course we are going there to find out, aren’t we?’’ he asked.
‘’yes I will be at your house shortly’’ I answered lazily.
‘’I really feel so bad right now bro. I like that girl very much and this just happened at the wrong time’’ he added sadly, leaving a frown on my face as I ended the call and headed to Nora’s room to tell her that I was leaving.
My greatest fear however, was leaving Nora unprotected. I was scared of returning to find she and my son hurt.
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Nora’s side of the story;
As narrated by Nora
Yes I really was scared after David told me about Edwin’s threat but then I never took it very serious until he refused leaving my apartment that very day. I couldn’t help but realize that the guy in question was very dangerous than I thought he was, for David to sacrifice his comfort in trying to protect me. The love I had for him equally grew with that singular gesture of his.
Even though he really was the person who brought ant infested wood into our lives, his seriousness in correcting his mistakes made me grow softer towards him with each passing moment.
I even had to offer him my bed to sleep on, something that could have tempted us to get intimate again but he declined the offer, showing how manly and responsible he had grown of late.
As he finally left my apartment early in the morning, with the news of what happened to his informant, I couldn’t help but shed some tears for him. David was now a man on a mission to set things right.
‘’do you think he has changed?”’ my sister asked as we watched him leave. I nodded in affirmative.
‘’This isn’t David of last year. Yes he has changed, but we are in grave danger. A criminal is after us and I pray he doesn’t kill my David first’’ I breathed solemnly, taking a quick look at my son who was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the dangers of the world……………………
Episode 12
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
At exactly 7am, I picked up Chinedu and together we headed to the teaching hospital to see Jessica.
You can’t imagine how anxious and nervous I was that moment. The guilt all over me was severe. I was very much responsible for putting the young girl in danger. I equally couldn’t help but pray for Nora and her baby to be safe at least till I return from the journey. I felt they were the next target.
Chinedu was the first to break the silence between us as he slowly narrated how he tried to reach Jessica on phone the previous day.
‘’I kept trying her phone numbers all through yesterday but couldn’t get to her. You can’t imagine how scared I was. I couldn’t even sleep and early this morning a girl answered her phone as I called, breaking the unfortunate news to me ’’ he slowly narrated.
‘’This Edwin is something else, I can’t believe he went that far’’ I breathed with regret as my thoughts centered on Nora and my son.
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We finally arrived at the hospital to see the poor girl very much unconscious. A young guy quickly approached us, thinking we were her relatives.
‘’hello, Good morning; my name is Stanley, the student leader for all students living within the ******* community’’ he introduced politely.
‘’You are Jessica’s brothers?’’ he asked curiously.
‘’not really but we are like family to her. Of course we will pay the bills and take charge of everything. So tell us what actually happened to her?’’ Chinedu quickly chipped in, taking over the conversation while I silently listened on.
‘’yesterday evening, about three cult boys broke into her room with the aim of robbing and raping her. Surprisingly she fought them off like a tigress, resisting their every move. As they struggled, she bravely shouted, risking her life in the process and leaving the guys with no other option than to try beating her to death, perhaps in an effort to shut her up. Luckily her screams caused a big uproar within the neighborhood, which mobilized every student. We all bravely came out to confront the hoodlums. But unfortunately they escaped before we could get to her room. Our action saved her life and till now no one can tell how they escaped.’’ He narrated.
‘’but can you identify the people behind the attack?’’ Chinedu asked pointedly. The young man quickly drew back..
‘’no I can’t identify them. I didn’t see them’’ he answered guardedly.
‘’listen young man. I was once a student like you. Back then we knew all the cultists even though we never associated with them. As a student leader, I’m very sure you know most of them’’ Chinedu quickly pointed out, while the boy frowned.
‘’To be sincere I really don’t know if the boys that did this to her, are the cultists living within our neighborhood. But even if it is so, most of them are not students. Some are touts, claiming to be students. A whole lot of them have been there before we even moved into the neighborhood. The country’s election is just around the corner and that kind of made them more active than they used to be in the past. They are now very rich and noisy and no one dares confront them. Even if you try to get them arrested, they won’t spend a night in police custody before coming back for your head. All we do is simply to avoid them and I think the girl must have done something to provoke such treatment because they hardly disturb any student living within the neighborhood. I have to confess that they hardly terrorize us unless maybe one way or the other you did something to get their attention’’ he explained nervously.
‘’How about the guy called Edwin?. I presume he is one of the cult leaders? How much do you know him?’’ i asked breathlessly, quickly describing Edwin’s look. The boy instantly grew pale.
‘’Yes he is one of the leaders and equally very rich. He is very powerful within and outside the campus. He even has people outside the state. He claims to be a student but he isn’t and the school authorities are really keeping a blind eye on his activities’’ he answered slowly.
‘’you know what?. I want you to discreetly spread this message. Tell anyone who cares that we are willing to pay fifty thousand naira just for information on how to find Edwin. Yes we are serious’’ Chinedu slowly offered, leaving the young man totally stunned..
I equally was surprised with Chinedu’s offer because we never discussed anything about it and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually doing it for me or for the girl who just got attacked.
Nevertheless his plan was a good one and within a week, a guy offered to tell us everything about Edwin.
Anyway that’s a story for another day .
Episode 13
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
‘’do you really think your plan will work?’’ was the exact question I asked my friend as soon as the student leader left. He smiled and nodded.
‘’yes I’m very positive it will work. Never underestimate the power of money’’ he said with a look of assurance. I breathed deeply, scratching my head.
‘’secondly the money you offered is really too much for me. I’m yet to know how much the hospital will charge on the poor girl lying over there. I’m really very broke. I don’t think you know what it means to be broke’’ I complained.
‘’you worry too much. I never asked you to pay any money. I made the offer myself, didn’t i?’’ he replied, surprising me with his words.
‘’seriously?. You mean you are going to take care of that?’’ I asked in disbelief.
‘’yes what are friends for’’ he answered with a smile while I gave him a suspicious look.
‘’hmmm are you sure you are doing it for me or for her?’’ I asked with a suspicious smile, nodding towards the girl who really looked so innocent on the hospital bed.
‘’I pray she doesn’t turn up like Cassandra’’ was all he could say to my question.
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Jessica soon woke up to see Chinedu and I smiling down at her. I really was very pleased to know that she had no serious injuries. I couldn’t imagine living with such guilt supposing something serious had happened to her.
According to the doctor, she had just bruises all over her body. She bravely fought off the rapists but it left her in a serious state of shock. Her vital signs are okay and I believe she will pull through. He had assured us.
Chinedu was quick to hold her hands as soon as she recognized us.
‘’don’t be scared you are fine. You are a strong girl. I promise to get every one of them arrested’’ he said sweetly, leaving me with no choice than to watch silently. It really was the first time I was seeing my friend trying to be romantic and overly nice to a lady. I thought all he cared about was money and sex, but seeing him so calm, so passionate, so polished really made my jaw drop in astonishment.
However, the most touching part of it all was the adorable look the girl gave to him. It was just so pure, so piercing with lots of silent words. I had to quickly look away to avoid embarrassing myself with my stare.
‘’don’t worry about me, I’m fine and strong. Once I leave this place, I will be staying with a female friend till the heat dies down. I never knew Edwin and his gang could read meaning to a simple discussion we had in front of my hostel’’ she breathed softly.
‘’I know this is going to be hard, but did you recognize any one of them?’’ Chinedu asked searchingly. She shook her head.
‘’they covered their faces and they were very fast and professional. I really don’t know what even gave me the strength to fight them. They hit me as if I was a guy. I really don’t know how they disappeared because I passed out as they hit me.
‘’don’t worry, I promise to get every one of them arrested’’ Chinedu promised once again.
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We left the hospital later in the day after some of her friends showed up to keep her company. I was very much relieved that nothing serious happened to her.
However, I was very anxious to get home. I was very anxious to see Nora and my kid because I was so scared of what Edwin could do to them in my absence to spite me.
Luckily Nora and my boy were just as I left them when I got back. The look of relief on my face was just so indescribable.
‘’oh Thank God you guys are fine’’ I breathed happily as Nora let me into the house.
‘’so how badly was the girl hurt?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’not very badly; she just had bruises plus the emotional breakdown that followed it. The guys tried hard to rape her but didn’t succeed’’ I explained.
‘’my God’ she breathed, growing pale.
‘’now for the breaking news’’ I announced, smiling.
‘’can you believe Chinedu is in love with that girl?. My friend is in love’’ I shouted, surprising her with my outburst.
‘’no that can’t be. I thought all he cared about was money?. How do you know he is in love?’’ she asked seriously.
‘’he confessed to me. Moreover you need to see how he acted in the hospital. The girl looks nice though but you never can tell’’ I added.
‘’hmmmmm’’ Nora breathed thoghtfully. I drew close and held her softly.
‘’my greatest wish is to be with you for the rest of my life’’ I slowly confessed, leaving her staring at me with eyes filled with passion. I summoned up courage, drew closer and kissed her passionately.
It was such a pure long kiss that brought tremendous fire to my body. She surprisingly responded for a while before forcefully breaking free from me.
‘’you have to earn my love. You have to work harder for it. So far you are doing great but you are yet to fully prove yourself’’ she breathed; backing away and leaving me so tuned up and stunned.
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Monday morning, I headed to the police station with my story and discoveries. I spent close to an hour narrating all that happened within the previous week to Cassandra’s father who really was furious that the police freed me. But when I finished my story he had no choice than to accept that the enemy he was facing wasn’t me but someone much more deadly.
‘’I don’t know how much you value your daughter but for her safety you really have to work with me to bring her home safe. I know the guy having her and I really don’t think he is mentally stable. I’m sorry to say this but our policemen are very dull’’ I summarized while the police inspector and his men frowned over my comment.
‘’please just do all you can to save my daughter. I know I shouldn’t be asking you this but I have no other choice and you have the only lead so far. All I can ask the police to do now is to work with you’’ the old man pleaded seriously.
————————————–
Three days later; Chinedu stormed into my shop with great excitement.
‘’a guy just called me, asking for hundred thousand naira to give us the information we need on Edwin. Secondly he is willing to show himself as long as we are going to fulfill his demand and not set him up nor get him arrested. So my brother I asked him to come over tomorrow’’ he poured out with great excitement, leaving me to wonder between us, who wanted the most to get Edwin and his gang arrested and jailed.
Episode 14
David’s side of The story;
As narrated by David
By 12pm the next day, I was in Chinedu’s shop, nervously waiting for the boy who promised to snitch on Edwin to show up. I just was very impatient as if my whole life depended on the boy’s appearance.
‘’he should be here by now. What could be delaying him?’’ I heard my friend mutter in an effort to start a conversation with me. I only sighed and glanced at my watch, saying nothing to his statement. His phone however rang shortly.
‘’it’s him’’ he informed me happily before answering the call.
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The young man finally showed up at exactly 12:20pm, looking very nervous and alert. Chinedu however soon made him feel at home by offering him a bottle of cold beer while I nervously waited for him to talk.
‘’you did a very right thing by coming forward to talk. You just made yourself some money’’ my friend softly said in a bid to make the young man start talking.
‘’so how about my money?. Is it here?’’ he asked searchingly, throwing a suspicious look at me. Chinedu nodded, fetched a bundle of notes from a locker and tossed the money on his laps. He quickly counted the money while I left my eyes on him. He looked no older than twenty four. ‘’Probably a cult member’’ I reasoned.
‘’it’s only fifty thousand naira that I have here. That wasn’t the agreement’’ he muttered quickly after counting the money.
‘’of course you are yet to provide the information we are looking for. You have to talk first my brother’’ Chinedu replied, leaving the young man silent for a while as he probably considered his position.
‘’fine, the information I’m going to give you is hundred percent accurate because I’m from Edwin’s village. I’m somehow like a cousin to him even though we hardly relate in school. I was told that you guys are interested in knowing his background and that is the reason I’m here talk.’’ He said slowly. We all nodded with great interest.
‘’Edwin was born and brought up in Lagos where he attended his primary and secondary school before moving down to the east for his university education. He used to be a medical student. I think he was admitted around 2007 but was rusticated after some years. He stayed behind to run his gang and that has been sustaining him all these while. His parents hardly come home, in fact since my childhood I have only seen his parents twice. The last time they came home was in December 2009 or 2010. I’m not really sure of the year’’ he narrated calmly.
‘’when was the last time you saw Edwin?. I heard he hasn’t shown up around the hostel since this January’’ Chinedu asked intelligently.
‘’well I haven’t really noticed that but then the last time I saw him was two weeks ago in the village. I think he relocated to the village because of election runs. Moreover his father built a very big one storey building in the village’’ he answered while Chinedu and I instantly shared a knowing look.
‘’can you describe your village and everything I need to know about Edwin’s family house’’ Chinedu asked. He nodded, breathed deeply and took his time in telling us all we needed to know about his village and how to get there.
‘’so how about the balance of my money ‘’ he asked when he was done. Chinedu smiled and shook his head.
‘’of course you are not expecting us to give you hundred thousand naira without first confirming all you just told us. You will get the balance of your money, I promise. But not today, we will first confirm if all you told is true’’ he said to the young man who had no choice than to accept the condition.
————————————————-
‘’so what now?’’ Chinedu asked after the boy left.
‘’let’s go to the police right away, get some men and head to the silly boy’s village. I bet Cassandra is locked up there’’ I breathed without thinking straight. My friend smiled, shaking his head.
‘’what if Cassandra isn’t there with the boy and we arrive with the police?’’ he suddenly asked, leaving me silent with the question.
‘’you know many things still don’t add up in Cassandra’s disappearance. Okay supposing she is with Edwin. How the hell was the boy able to take her all the way to Avutu town so easily?. What if Cassandra wasn’t kidnapped in the first place?’’ he asked. I scratched my head, saying nothing.
‘’I know Avutu town very well because my mother is from that area and I think I can easily find my way to Edwin’s village. I think we should first head there, check out the village and locate Edwin’s house with the description the boy gave us just to be sure. We have to confirm things before getting the police involved’’ he said while I shrugged with resignation even though I totally didn’t buy his idea.
‘’we will head to Avutu town very early tomorrow’’ he concluded.
————————————–
Early the next day, I woke up to see my phone ringing and it was no other person than Nora calling me. I answered with fear, wondering if Edwin had done something to my child because Nora hardly called me on phone; talk more of calling me so early in the day.
‘’hey what’s up?’’ she greeted.
‘’hope all is fine?”” I asked nervously.
‘’yes I just wanted to make sure you are alright because I just had a terrible dream. Please I know I shouldn’t be saying this but try to pray before leaving the house today. Or if possible don’t go anywhere today’’ she begged.
‘’don’t worry, I will pray my dear. Thanks so much for your care’’ I breathed sweetly.
‘’okay very well then’’ she replied, hesitated for a moment before ending the call. I smiled to myself as I pictured Nora in my head kissing me.
Oh and I forgot to pray like she requested
———————————————
By 8am, Chinedu showed up at my apartment and together we headed to Avutu town on a wild adventure.
SEASON 2
Episode 8
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
We spent a whole lot of time with my sister and mother who were quite delighted to see Nora and I together. The topic of discussion soon centered on me after Nora told them all I passed through in the hands of Cassandra’s father. Nora really had a good descriptive prowess and she kind of held my sister and mother spell bound with her story.
All I could do was just to look down in shame. Yes I really felt embarrassed listening as she narrated my ordeal.
‘’you are really God sent my dear. You now see the reason why you guys should be together. You are stronger together than apart. I see my son is slowly coming to his senses and you have to be with him to support and guide him to the right track’’ my mother slowly chipped in with an understanding smile, while Nora keep quiet, saying nothing.
————————————————————
When we finally got set to leave, my sister gave me the contact of one of Cassandra’s friends.
‘’her name is Jessica, she is Cassandra’s neighbor and I feel if anyone is to know Cassandra’s whereabouts, she would be the one to know. Anyway just be civil with her, don’t be aggressive or she won’t speak to you’’ she advised, equally describing the girl’s physical looks to me.
——————————-
As Nora and I headed home afterwards, all that occupied my mind was finding Cassandra. I couldn’t even start a conversation with Nora who was sitting beside me because I was so preoccupied with my thoughts. I desperately needed to get to the root of the matter. I desperately needed to unravel all the mysteries concerning Cassandra’s disappearance. That was the only way I could be free to start a better life for myself.
‘First thing tomorrow I will head to Cassandra’s school to search for Jessica and also Edwin. Yes Edwin, how did I even forget about him? I know he runs frequent tabs on Cassandra and I can bet he will have a clue on where to find the silly girl’’ I reasoned with a smile.
‘’but how do I convince Edwin to work with me?’’ another part of me asked, throwing me back to another level of thinking. To and fro my mind wandered till we got to Nora’s house.
‘’I plan heading over to Cassandra’s school to start my own investigations. It’s something I have to do on my own. I can’t leave the police on this’’ I explained to Nora who shrugged and smiled as she opened the car door to alight.
‘’don’t get shot over there’’ she said with a smile, alighting from the car. I silently watched her walk into her apartment, swallowing hard as I admired her curves. I couldn’t help but notice that I instantly felt h---y. Yes it had been long I last made love to a woman and it really was telling on my body system.
——————————-
Early the next day as I got set to embark on my quest to find Cassandra; my friend Chinedu walked in unannounced. I frowned on seeing him as all I passed through days ago without his help flashed into my head. But then, a quick apology from him and some jokes soon made me loosen up with him. I told him all that happened, hiding nothing.
‘’I’m really sorry that I wasn’t around to assist but count on me from now onwards’’ he promised when I was done with my story.
‘’of course you know i need every help I can get. I plan going to Cassandra’s lodge to search for her. You can come with me’’ I offered. He quickly nodded in agreement, bringing out a smile from my face with his acceptance.
‘’first, I have to call the police inspector to speak with him, afterwards I will call Jessica; the girl my sister said I should contact before we proceed on the difficult task’’ I breathed as I grabbed my phone.
——————–
An hour and half later, Chinedu and I arrived at Cassandra’s hostel. I slowly parked my car at the spot Edwin and his gang beat me up the previous year. I bit my lips as the memory flashed back into my head. I almost ran my car into a black SUV equally parked at the spot. Chinedu eyed me with concern. I gave him a reassuring smile.
‘’I’m cool bro’’ I stammered, freezing as my eyes fell on a young man who was coming out of the big hostel. He was no other person than the doctor, Cassandra’s new boyfriend. I breathed furiously.
‘’that’s him. That’s the doctor Cassandra rubbed on my face the previous year’’ I said with a raised tone, pointing at the young man.
‘’but, but, but I thought you told me he travelled out of the country?” Chinedu asked curiously.
Instead of replying him, I bolted out of the car and ran towards the young man who was really shocked to see me. I quickly grabbed him by collar, not minding the environment.
I shook him furiously with great strength, giving him no chance to fight back.
‘’you b-----d!, where is Cassandra?’’ I asked furiously.
Episode 9
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
‘’you b-----d!, tell me; where is Cassandra?” I asked breathlessly, shaking the young man furiously. Chinedu quickly did the right thing by separating us. He pushed me backwards, begging me to calm down.
‘’I heard you were locked up by the police for Cassandra’s disappearance?. Why are you now asking me about Cassandra?” the young doctor quickly asked, trying his best to compose himself.
‘’I just got back to the country yesterday, to learn that my Cassandra is still missing. Why are you here?. Are you not supposed to be in police custody?” he asked furiously, taking a surprising step towards me. Chinedu quickly blocked him.
‘’listen guys, we are in a public place. We have many things to sort out concerning Cassandra’s disappearance but not here. Actually my friend thought you left the country with Cassandra in order to get back at him but your reaction is currently proving otherwise. We definitely have a big issue to tackle but not here. Unless we wish to embarrass ourselves before the little kids around’’ he said intelligently. The doctor nodded, drew back and headed to his car.
‘’this isn’t over David. I will find you. You have a lot of explanations to make’’ he breathed, entered his car and drove off. I shook my head with disbelief.
‘’what do you think?. ‘’ I asked Chindeu who shrugged.
‘’the young man looked very surprised when you asked about Cassandra. Perhaps he isn’t responsible for her disappearance. Perhaps Cassandra never got to his house that very evening she left yours’’ he answered slowly.
‘’what could it then mean’’ I asked quickly.
‘’it means two things brother. Either Cassandra is with another man or she is already dead. A girl can’t just disappear like that without a trace’’ he breathed, sending more fear into my heart.
The last thing I wanted was Cassandra being dead but then just like my friend said, a girl like her couldn’t just disappear without a trace. My last suspicion fell on Edwin but then I saw the young man as nothing but a rascal. I never had reason to believe that he could have the capability or means of kidnapping Cassandra for such a long time. I could only come up with three half baked theories that moment
‘’firstly; Either Edwin killed Cassandra that very night and disposed her body which kind of looked impossible for a guy like him, or secondly Cassandra got involved with another guy who did the dirty work. Or thirdly, the doctor actually did the killing, disposed her body and had to throw off every suspicion by quickly travelling out’’ I reasoned.
‘’hey good day; Are you the guy who called to see me?”’ I soon heard a very young beautiful girl ask, drawing close to us. I smiled nervously as I stared at her.
‘’you are Cassandra’s friend?’’ I asked softly. She nodded quickly.
‘’I’m David and this is my friend Chinedu’’ I quickly introduced.
‘’so can we talk somewhere, preferably in your room?’’ I asked. She stared at us suspiciously, shaking her head.
‘’okay fine we can talk here.’’ I breathed.
‘’listen; I’m being accused of being behind Cassandra’s disappearance and I need your help. I guess you are one of her friends that know a lot about her. I guess you also knew she came to visit me that very night she disappeared. The truth is that we argued and she left my apartment. I felt she went to spend the night with her doctor friend only to discover weeks later that’s she’s missing. At first I thought it was nothing but a setup to get back at me until her father showed up to arrest me. Please if you know anything that can help me find Cassandra, better spit it out now. Of course I will settle you handsomely and also know that your friend could be in danger if she really is missing and anything you say to me could be helpful’’ I begged breathlessly. The young girl took a deep breath, stared at me for some seconds before shrugging.
‘’Cassandra is a very good friend. Some people may see her as greedy and deceitful but deep down she has a very good heart. Yes she is actually missing and at first I really thought you had something to do with it until this moment you spoke to me. I really don’t know but since she isn’t with you, it could then be that she’s with Edwin. I feel somehow Edwin finally got her. The dude has been a pest in her life and since Cassandra disappeared, the dude hasn’t been seen around this vicinity and the bad thing about it is that no one knows much about him. He has been here longer that ninety nine percent of the students. We all met him here and no one unless perhaps members of his gang can tell his background or where to find him’’ she revealed, leaving me totally speechless with the revelation.
‘’but why haven’t you told the police anything?’’ Chinedu quickly chipped in.
‘’the police hasn’t been here. The campus security only came once with Cassandra’s father and all they did was to break into her room’’ she answered.
‘’I guess we have a lot to talk about. Please let’s go somewhere more private’’ I slowly offered with a pleading look. The Young girl accepted after a slight hesitation and together we headed to a small eatery few kilometers away.
Episode 10
David’s side of the story continues;
As narrated by David
We had a long chat with the young girl who really answered all we asked her even though most of her answers weren’t overly helpful but at least they gave us a little insight on what to expect in future concerning Cassandra and Edwin. With all the information we could gather from her, Chinedu and I couldn’t help but feel that Edwin could be very responsible for Cassandra’s disappearance but then finding Edwin was the big deal. According to the girl no one except perhaps members of his gang could know his background and whereabouts.
We finally headed back home, happy that at least we were making a breakthrough. I had many plans running through my head that moment. Of course getting a rascal like Edwin surely needed a whole lot of planning.
‘’but what if Cassandra isn’t with him?’’ another part of me wondered.
Chinedu however soon broke the silence between us with a very shocking revelation..
‘’I don’t know brother but I think I’m very much attracted to that Jessica. She looks so different from all the girls I have come across. I just can’t describe how I felt as a listened to her talk with us. My hands kept shaking with excitement as I stared at her’’ he confessed, forcing me to give him a curious look and smile.
‘’she’s Cassandra’s friend’’ I reminded him.
‘’of course I know but that doesn’t mean she is as bad as Cassandra. Don’t you see how she opened up to us’’ he defended quickly.
‘’she opened up to us because she had no other option’’ I quickly pointed out.
‘’I’m going to ask her out’’ he muttered after a little silence while I shrugged with a smile. I had my own problems to worry about and I didn’t argue with him.
———————————————————————-
After dropping off Chinedu at his apartment, I headed over to Nora’s house to pay her a short visit. Just like in previous times I was nervous as I knocked on her door because I really didn’t know what to expect.
‘’hey it’s you?’’ she murmured with a smile as soon as she opened the door to see me.
‘’expecting someone else?’’ I asked curiously as I walked in.
‘’yes, my sister went over to my salon to pick up some things. I will resume work on Monday’’ she replied quickly. I stared at her with a smile.
‘’now what?’’ she asked with a playful look which encouraged me to draw closer to her. I stared into her eyes, smiling softly.
‘’I succeeded in meeting the girl today. I mean Cassandra’s friend and according to all she told me, I think Edwin could be behind Cassandra’s disappearance’’ I informed her softly.
‘’that’s great, I hope you have told the police?. Edwin should be arrested immediately’’ she quickly breathed, surprisingly grabbing my hand affectionately.
‘’that’s the problem. Edwin equally has disappeared. He hasn’t showed up in the neighborhood this year and I don’t think our police have the capability of finding a guy like him. I think I will do it on my own’’ I breathed..
‘’noooooooo you can’t, what do you mean finding him on your own?’’ she fired back, tightening her grip on my hand. I looked into her eyes; all I saw was real love, real passion, great feelings and deep care.
I instantly felt like grabbing and kissing her sweet lips. I instantly felt like making hot love to her there and then. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, my phone rang than moment, breaking the passionate tension in the room.
As I picked my phone, my little son started crying and Nora quickly went to attend to him.
—————————————-
The number that called was hidden and I couldn’t help but wonder who could be calling with a hidden number but as I answered the call, fear gripped me as I recognized the voice of the caller who was no other person than Edwin.
‘’Mr. David, what did I do to you?’’ he asked softly, leaving me stunned with the question.
‘’why won’t you let me be?. I already left my school for you, still you won’t let me have rest of mind’’ he said with a cold tone.
‘’You came to my school once again, looking for Cassandra. You came looking for my wife when you have yours. Isn’t that greed?. I hope you know what happens to greedy men?. They get burnt’’ he added, while I listened, unable to say a word.
‘’The more you get yourself involved in my business, the more you put your family and friends in danger. You just put the innocent girl you talked with today in great danger and that’s bad. You still don’t know what I’m capable of’’ he threatened softly.
‘’where is Cassandra you scumbag?. Are you with her?”’ I asked loudly, breathing heavily.
‘’you are asking if I’m with my wife? Hmmmmm. You are really sillier than I thought’’ he answered with a short laugh.
‘’oh and is that the cry of your little son that I’m hearing?. Yes I heard you have a son. Mmmmmmm and what makes a man go mad than taking what he cherishes the most?. In few days I will recite the poem *Twinkle, Twinkle little star* for your boy while you rest in peace inside a grave’’ he breathed and hung up, leaving me shaking with great fear.
Episode 11
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
I quickly dialed Jessica’s number to make sure she’s alright as soon as Edwin hung up, but unfortunately the girl’s number wasn’t reachable. I dialed Chinedu’s number and as soon as he answered quickly told him about the strange phone call I got from Edwin.
‘’I think he has Cassandra and I also fear that we just put Jessica in harm’s way. I tried calling her but couldn’t get to her’’ I opened up breathlessly.
‘’yes you are right. If Edwin can have the nerves to kidnap Cassandra all these while then that guy is capable of doing anything. I will try to see if I can get across to the girl today but if I fail to , it then means we will be heading back to the hostel to warn her’’ he said seriously.
I hung up to face Nora who was seriously staring at me.
‘’did anything else happen?’’ she asked quickly.
‘’the caller was Edwin, and with the way he sounded, I feel he is with Cassandra’’ I opened up to her softly. She stared at me with an anxious look.
‘’But that isn’t the main issue my dear’’ I added, studying her carefully.
‘’Edwin threatened to come for my family. He heard my son crying and threatened to kill me and take him. Yes I know he can’t accomplish that easily but then I have learnt not to underestimate that boy. He isn’t just a school cultist but a big time criminal’’ I slowly revealed to Nora, drawing close to hold her as she instantly colored up.
‘’If he could kidnap Cassandra for so long without anyone knowing his whereabouts; It means he can easily get us anytime he wants’’ she breathed.
‘’I’m not going to let that happen. I’m going to protect you and my son’’ I promised with all my heart.
———————————————————————————
I ended up spending the whole day with Nora. I couldn’t get myself to leave her and my son all alone. It really wasn’t as if I could do anything to protect them supposing Edwin showed up with his gang but then being with her kind of created a strong bond or a form of security and oneness I really can’t explain.
Later in the evening, Nora virtually had to go down on her knees begging me to go home and take a rest.
‘’you can’t sit here all day like an old security man. It’s already 9pm. You need to go home and sleep. Nothing will happen to us’’ she begged with great concern but I really wasn’t ready to leave even though I badly needed a good night sleep.
To be sincere I really didn’t know what gave me the strength to make such a decision of not leaving her presence that very day. Perhaps it was because I felt Edwin could probably be in a corner watching my every move or perhaps it really was the first time my little son was being threatened and as a father I had to do everything necessary to protect him. I just didn’t know what got all over me that day.
‘’you should have told the police about the phone call you got from Edwin’’ Nora slowly added, watching me keenly.
‘’yes I will definitely report it on Monday but then I do know they can’t do anything about it. All the police need from me is more money. I just hope Cassandra’s father will show up at the police station on Monday’’ I breathed.
‘’poor man’’ She added in sympathy.
‘’seriously you mean you are not going home tonight?’’ she asked after a little silence. I nodded in affirmative.
She shrugged with resignation, shaking her head.
‘’how about taking a shower and sleeping on my bed?’’ she suddenly offered.
‘’never mind, I’m fine here’’ I replied, leaving her stunned with my reply.
———————
I ended up, spending the night on the couch and what a terrible night it was for me. I couldn’t sleep a wink all through and as early as 5:30am, Chinedu called me with some very bad news.
‘’Edwin carried out his threat on that girl. As we speak, the poor girl is currently battling with her life at the school teaching hospital’’ he announced softly. I gasped with shock
‘’my God!; How did it happen?’’ I breathed.
‘’of course we are going there to find out, aren’t we?’’ he asked.
‘’yes I will be at your house shortly’’ I answered lazily.
‘’I really feel so bad right now bro. I like that girl very much and this just happened at the wrong time’’ he added sadly, leaving a frown on my face as I ended the call and headed to Nora’s room to tell her that I was leaving.
My greatest fear however, was leaving Nora unprotected. I was scared of returning to find she and my son hurt.
———————————————————————————
Nora’s side of the story;
As narrated by Nora
Yes I really was scared after David told me about Edwin’s threat but then I never took it very serious until he refused leaving my apartment that very day. I couldn’t help but realize that the guy in question was very dangerous than I thought he was, for David to sacrifice his comfort in trying to protect me. The love I had for him equally grew with that singular gesture of his.
Even though he really was the person who brought ant infested wood into our lives, his seriousness in correcting his mistakes made me grow softer towards him with each passing moment.
I even had to offer him my bed to sleep on, something that could have tempted us to get intimate again but he declined the offer, showing how manly and responsible he had grown of late.
As he finally left my apartment early in the morning, with the news of what happened to his informant, I couldn’t help but shed some tears for him. David was now a man on a mission to set things right.
‘’do you think he has changed?”’ my sister asked as we watched him leave. I nodded in affirmative.
‘’This isn’t David of last year. Yes he has changed, but we are in grave danger. A criminal is after us and I pray he doesn’t kill my David first’’ I breathed solemnly, taking a quick look at my son who was sleeping peacefully, unaware of the dangers of the world……………………
Episode 12
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
At exactly 7am, I picked up Chinedu and together we headed to the teaching hospital to see Jessica.
You can’t imagine how anxious and nervous I was that moment. The guilt all over me was severe. I was very much responsible for putting the young girl in danger. I equally couldn’t help but pray for Nora and her baby to be safe at least till I return from the journey. I felt they were the next target.
Chinedu was the first to break the silence between us as he slowly narrated how he tried to reach Jessica on phone the previous day.
‘’I kept trying her phone numbers all through yesterday but couldn’t get to her. You can’t imagine how scared I was. I couldn’t even sleep and early this morning a girl answered her phone as I called, breaking the unfortunate news to me ’’ he slowly narrated.
‘’This Edwin is something else, I can’t believe he went that far’’ I breathed with regret as my thoughts centered on Nora and my son.
————————–
We finally arrived at the hospital to see the poor girl very much unconscious. A young guy quickly approached us, thinking we were her relatives.
‘’hello, Good morning; my name is Stanley, the student leader for all students living within the ******* community’’ he introduced politely.
‘’You are Jessica’s brothers?’’ he asked curiously.
‘’not really but we are like family to her. Of course we will pay the bills and take charge of everything. So tell us what actually happened to her?’’ Chinedu quickly chipped in, taking over the conversation while I silently listened on.
‘’yesterday evening, about three cult boys broke into her room with the aim of robbing and raping her. Surprisingly she fought them off like a tigress, resisting their every move. As they struggled, she bravely shouted, risking her life in the process and leaving the guys with no other option than to try beating her to death, perhaps in an effort to shut her up. Luckily her screams caused a big uproar within the neighborhood, which mobilized every student. We all bravely came out to confront the hoodlums. But unfortunately they escaped before we could get to her room. Our action saved her life and till now no one can tell how they escaped.’’ He narrated.
‘’but can you identify the people behind the attack?’’ Chinedu asked pointedly. The young man quickly drew back..
‘’no I can’t identify them. I didn’t see them’’ he answered guardedly.
‘’listen young man. I was once a student like you. Back then we knew all the cultists even though we never associated with them. As a student leader, I’m very sure you know most of them’’ Chinedu quickly pointed out, while the boy frowned.
‘’To be sincere I really don’t know if the boys that did this to her, are the cultists living within our neighborhood. But even if it is so, most of them are not students. Some are touts, claiming to be students. A whole lot of them have been there before we even moved into the neighborhood. The country’s election is just around the corner and that kind of made them more active than they used to be in the past. They are now very rich and noisy and no one dares confront them. Even if you try to get them arrested, they won’t spend a night in police custody before coming back for your head. All we do is simply to avoid them and I think the girl must have done something to provoke such treatment because they hardly disturb any student living within the neighborhood. I have to confess that they hardly terrorize us unless maybe one way or the other you did something to get their attention’’ he explained nervously.
‘’How about the guy called Edwin?. I presume he is one of the cult leaders? How much do you know him?’’ i asked breathlessly, quickly describing Edwin’s look. The boy instantly grew pale.
‘’Yes he is one of the leaders and equally very rich. He is very powerful within and outside the campus. He even has people outside the state. He claims to be a student but he isn’t and the school authorities are really keeping a blind eye on his activities’’ he answered slowly.
‘’you know what?. I want you to discreetly spread this message. Tell anyone who cares that we are willing to pay fifty thousand naira just for information on how to find Edwin. Yes we are serious’’ Chinedu slowly offered, leaving the young man totally stunned..
I equally was surprised with Chinedu’s offer because we never discussed anything about it and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was actually doing it for me or for the girl who just got attacked.
Nevertheless his plan was a good one and within a week, a guy offered to tell us everything about Edwin.
Anyway that’s a story for another day .
Episode 13
David’s side of the story;
As narrated by David
‘’do you really think your plan will work?’’ was the exact question I asked my friend as soon as the student leader left. He smiled and nodded.
‘’yes I’m very positive it will work. Never underestimate the power of money’’ he said with a look of assurance. I breathed deeply, scratching my head.
‘’secondly the money you offered is really too much for me. I’m yet to know how much the hospital will charge on the poor girl lying over there. I’m really very broke. I don’t think you know what it means to be broke’’ I complained.
‘’you worry too much. I never asked you to pay any money. I made the offer myself, didn’t i?’’ he replied, surprising me with his words.
‘’seriously?. You mean you are going to take care of that?’’ I asked in disbelief.
‘’yes what are friends for’’ he answered with a smile while I gave him a suspicious look.
‘’hmmm are you sure you are doing it for me or for her?’’ I asked with a suspicious smile, nodding towards the girl who really looked so innocent on the hospital bed.
‘’I pray she doesn’t turn up like Cassandra’’ was all he could say to my question.
——————————-
Jessica soon woke up to see Chinedu and I smiling down at her. I really was very pleased to know that she had no serious injuries. I couldn’t imagine living with such guilt supposing something serious had happened to her.
According to the doctor, she had just bruises all over her body. She bravely fought off the rapists but it left her in a serious state of shock. Her vital signs are okay and I believe she will pull through. He had assured us.
Chinedu was quick to hold her hands as soon as she recognized us.
‘’don’t be scared you are fine. You are a strong girl. I promise to get every one of them arrested’’ he said sweetly, leaving me with no choice than to watch silently. It really was the first time I was seeing my friend trying to be romantic and overly nice to a lady. I thought all he cared about was money and sex, but seeing him so calm, so passionate, so polished really made my jaw drop in astonishment.
However, the most touching part of it all was the adorable look the girl gave to him. It was just so pure, so piercing with lots of silent words. I had to quickly look away to avoid embarrassing myself with my stare.
‘’don’t worry about me, I’m fine and strong. Once I leave this place, I will be staying with a female friend till the heat dies down. I never knew Edwin and his gang could read meaning to a simple discussion we had in front of my hostel’’ she breathed softly.
‘’I know this is going to be hard, but did you recognize any one of them?’’ Chinedu asked searchingly. She shook her head.
‘’they covered their faces and they were very fast and professional. I really don’t know what even gave me the strength to fight them. They hit me as if I was a guy. I really don’t know how they disappeared because I passed out as they hit me.
‘’don’t worry, I promise to get every one of them arrested’’ Chinedu promised once again.
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We left the hospital later in the day after some of her friends showed up to keep her company. I was very much relieved that nothing serious happened to her.
However, I was very anxious to get home. I was very anxious to see Nora and my kid because I was so scared of what Edwin could do to them in my absence to spite me.
Luckily Nora and my boy were just as I left them when I got back. The look of relief on my face was just so indescribable.
‘’oh Thank God you guys are fine’’ I breathed happily as Nora let me into the house.
‘’so how badly was the girl hurt?’’ she asked curiously.
‘’not very badly; she just had bruises plus the emotional breakdown that followed it. The guys tried hard to rape her but didn’t succeed’’ I explained.
‘’my God’ she breathed, growing pale.
‘’now for the breaking news’’ I announced, smiling.
‘’can you believe Chinedu is in love with that girl?. My friend is in love’’ I shouted, surprising her with my outburst.
‘’no that can’t be. I thought all he cared about was money?. How do you know he is in love?’’ she asked seriously.
‘’he confessed to me. Moreover you need to see how he acted in the hospital. The girl looks nice though but you never can tell’’ I added.
‘’hmmmmm’’ Nora breathed thoghtfully. I drew close and held her softly.
‘’my greatest wish is to be with you for the rest of my life’’ I slowly confessed, leaving her staring at me with eyes filled with passion. I summoned up courage, drew closer and kissed her passionately.
It was such a pure long kiss that brought tremendous fire to my body. She surprisingly responded for a while before forcefully breaking free from me.
‘’you have to earn my love. You have to work harder for it. So far you are doing great but you are yet to fully prove yourself’’ she breathed; backing away and leaving me so tuned up and stunned.
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Monday morning, I headed to the police station with my story and discoveries. I spent close to an hour narrating all that happened within the previous week to Cassandra’s father who really was furious that the police freed me. But when I finished my story he had no choice than to accept that the enemy he was facing wasn’t me but someone much more deadly.
‘’I don’t know how much you value your daughter but for her safety you really have to work with me to bring her home safe. I know the guy having her and I really don’t think he is mentally stable. I’m sorry to say this but our policemen are very dull’’ I summarized while the police inspector and his men frowned over my comment.
‘’please just do all you can to save my daughter. I know I shouldn’t be asking you this but I have no other choice and you have the only lead so far. All I can ask the police to do now is to work with you’’ the old man pleaded seriously.
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Three days later; Chinedu stormed into my shop with great excitement.
‘’a guy just called me, asking for hundred thousand naira to give us the information we need on Edwin. Secondly he is willing to show himself as long as we are going to fulfill his demand and not set him up nor get him arrested. So my brother I asked him to come over tomorrow’’ he poured out with great excitement, leaving me to wonder between us, who wanted the most to get Edwin and his gang arrested and jailed.
Episode 14
David’s side of The story;
As narrated by David
By 12pm the next day, I was in Chinedu’s shop, nervously waiting for the boy who promised to snitch on Edwin to show up. I just was very impatient as if my whole life depended on the boy’s appearance.
‘’he should be here by now. What could be delaying him?’’ I heard my friend mutter in an effort to start a conversation with me. I only sighed and glanced at my watch, saying nothing to his statement. His phone however rang shortly.
‘’it’s him’’ he informed me happily before answering the call.
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The young man finally showed up at exactly 12:20pm, looking very nervous and alert. Chinedu however soon made him feel at home by offering him a bottle of cold beer while I nervously waited for him to talk.
‘’you did a very right thing by coming forward to talk. You just made yourself some money’’ my friend softly said in a bid to make the young man start talking.
‘’so how about my money?. Is it here?’’ he asked searchingly, throwing a suspicious look at me. Chinedu nodded, fetched a bundle of notes from a locker and tossed the money on his laps. He quickly counted the money while I left my eyes on him. He looked no older than twenty four. ‘’Probably a cult member’’ I reasoned.
‘’it’s only fifty thousand naira that I have here. That wasn’t the agreement’’ he muttered quickly after counting the money.
‘’of course you are yet to provide the information we are looking for. You have to talk first my brother’’ Chinedu replied, leaving the young man silent for a while as he probably considered his position.
‘’fine, the information I’m going to give you is hundred percent accurate because I’m from Edwin’s village. I’m somehow like a cousin to him even though we hardly relate in school. I was told that you guys are interested in knowing his background and that is the reason I’m here talk.’’ He said slowly. We all nodded with great interest.
‘’Edwin was born and brought up in Lagos where he attended his primary and secondary school before moving down to the east for his university education. He used to be a medical student. I think he was admitted around 2007 but was rusticated after some years. He stayed behind to run his gang and that has been sustaining him all these while. His parents hardly come home, in fact since my childhood I have only seen his parents twice. The last time they came home was in December 2009 or 2010. I’m not really sure of the year’’ he narrated calmly.
‘’when was the last time you saw Edwin?. I heard he hasn’t shown up around the hostel since this January’’ Chinedu asked intelligently.
‘’well I haven’t really noticed that but then the last time I saw him was two weeks ago in the village. I think he relocated to the village because of election runs. Moreover his father built a very big one storey building in the village’’ he answered while Chinedu and I instantly shared a knowing look.
‘’can you describe your village and everything I need to know about Edwin’s family house’’ Chinedu asked. He nodded, breathed deeply and took his time in telling us all we needed to know about his village and how to get there.
‘’so how about the balance of my money ‘’ he asked when he was done. Chinedu smiled and shook his head.
‘’of course you are not expecting us to give you hundred thousand naira without first confirming all you just told us. You will get the balance of your money, I promise. But not today, we will first confirm if all you told is true’’ he said to the young man who had no choice than to accept the condition.
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‘’so what now?’’ Chinedu asked after the boy left.
‘’let’s go to the police right away, get some men and head to the silly boy’s village. I bet Cassandra is locked up there’’ I breathed without thinking straight. My friend smiled, shaking his head.
‘’what if Cassandra isn’t there with the boy and we arrive with the police?’’ he suddenly asked, leaving me silent with the question.
‘’you know many things still don’t add up in Cassandra’s disappearance. Okay supposing she is with Edwin. How the hell was the boy able to take her all the way to Avutu town so easily?. What if Cassandra wasn’t kidnapped in the first place?’’ he asked. I scratched my head, saying nothing.
‘’I know Avutu town very well because my mother is from that area and I think I can easily find my way to Edwin’s village. I think we should first head there, check out the village and locate Edwin’s house with the description the boy gave us just to be sure. We have to confirm things before getting the police involved’’ he said while I shrugged with resignation even though I totally didn’t buy his idea.
‘’we will head to Avutu town very early tomorrow’’ he concluded.
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Early the next day, I woke up to see my phone ringing and it was no other person than Nora calling me. I answered with fear, wondering if Edwin had done something to my child because Nora hardly called me on phone; talk more of calling me so early in the day.
‘’hey what’s up?’’ she greeted.
‘’hope all is fine?”” I asked nervously.
‘’yes I just wanted to make sure you are alright because I just had a terrible dream. Please I know I shouldn’t be saying this but try to pray before leaving the house today. Or if possible don’t go anywhere today’’ she begged.
‘’don’t worry, I will pray my dear. Thanks so much for your care’’ I breathed sweetly.
‘’okay very well then’’ she replied, hesitated for a moment before ending the call. I smiled to myself as I pictured Nora in my head kissing me.
Oh and I forgot to pray like she requested
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By 8am, Chinedu showed up at my apartment and together we headed to Avutu town on a wild adventure.
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