Muur Chronicles

EPISODE TWO

    As they canvassed, his mind started wandering all of a sudden. He couldn’t quite picture the sudden alteration to his thought pattern which he already believed was having a good time with the two pretty damsels before him with the numerous discourse and playful act undertaken by all of them. Then the wandering magnified, like there is an event drawing him, attracting him forcibly and creating a lot of distractions visibly noticed by Nora who quizzed him.

“What do you say?”

“What do I say to?” he asked carelessly, his unsettled mind betraying him.

“Are you sure you are still with us here?” Tracy asked jokingly.

“Uhmmm just had a momentary slip of mind. That’s all.” He replied.

“And your mind slipped into…?” Tracy asked, expecting him to complete the sentence.

“Just remembered something I forgot to do. That’s all.” He replied.

“You are lying, Steve. You don’t even know how to lie.” Nora replied him.

“And you know this how?” Steve replied with a smile on his face.

“You are bad at it!” She said, making him to laugh.

“You are wrong anyway. I have a delivery that is supposed to enter today. My mind just involuntarily shifted my focus to it. But, you know, I’m with two pretty girls who I am having good times with, and who came to be with me.” He clarified calmly.

“Awww!” Tracy chipped in, ecstatic. “Now you know!” he said.

“Must really be an important stuff?” Nora asked.

“Yes. Some books and gadgets I ordered from somewhere in Sunderland.”

“England?” Nora asked.

"Yes!"

“You are a big boy then.” Tracy retorted.

“Because I ordered something from England?”

“Yeah” she replied.

“Maybe we should tell him about our plans, don’t you think? He may be of help somehow!” Nora whispered to Tracy.

“Whisperings!” Steve said half-mindedly and rhetorically even though he heard exactly what Nora whispered. She was lying with her back on his feet when she whispered to Tracy.

“It’s girl’s stuff!” Nora replied.

“You want to know?” Tracy added stylishly, to increase his curiosity.

“It’s girl’s stuff!” Steve replied, imitating Nora and throwing everybody into uncontrollable bouts of laughter.

“On a more serious note though, there is something we would like to discuss with you. Don’t know if the right time is now anyway.” Tracy stated.

“Well, whenever you decide is the right time, you let me know.” Steve replied. 

Nora looked at Tracy repeatedly. He didn't know what they did, but he knew they communicated in facial codes. “We will tell you next time.” Tracy finally stated. “That’s cool” he replied immediately.

At this point, his mind slipped momentarily, like he is being drawn to something which he cannot yet fathom. He looked at them and realized they have been staring at him again. “I’m sorry. Can’t help it” he said.

“What’s really bothering you?” Tracy asked this time.

“Honestly, a lot!” he replied.

“And I’m guessing you don’t want to share your burden with two stranger’s right?” Tracy quipped.

“Strangers? Nah, we are no longer strangers. We have passed that stage.” He replied.

“Or, are you waiting for her, and we are still here?” Nora quizzed teasingly, making him burst into laughter. “Nah, my girlfriend is not from here” He replied.

“You just said ‘girlfriend’. What happened to the ‘s’ part of it?” Nora quizzed again, to make fun of him.

“That will be the two of you then I guess” he said, smiling.

“Two of us?” they chorused, to which he nodded positively in reply.

“You two act like twins, you know?” He quizzed.

“Really?” Tracy asked.

“Yes.” He replied.

“People keep saying that about us” Nora stated.

“Well, they are absolutely right.” He replied. They continued to discuss about a whole lot of things, about their aspirations, hobbies and needs, their aversions and social media.

“Let me go downstairs and get something for us all since you guys prefer staying here for today than going out. As they say, talk is energy sapping, and it is evening already.”

“You are a darling.” Tracy quipped.

“Nah, he just wants us to miss him small!” Nora replied, and they all laughed.

“You are not serious.” Steve retorted, laughing as he closed the door to the room. They heard his footsteps receding down the hallway afterwards.

    The smile on his face was expressive, though not of his intent. As he entered the veranda leading to the receptionist’s office, the force that continued to distract him magnified. It weighed heavily on his mind, and his mood changed to that of insane curiosity. He has tried to dismiss the thoughts repeatedly, but not this time. As he continued the walk towards the reception, he looked straight at the reception and saw three gentlemen expensively dressed. It didn’t appear as anything, just people probably making enquiries to lodge or leaving. Not his business he guessed. He continued forward, and passed them in the walkway. The moment he did, he noticed that something was off about them.

“Not my business” he said to himself again and continued his walk.

He went straight to the reception area and discussed with them about what he wants whilst keeping tabs on the three men as they entered the stairs. Though not sure why, something told him they are connected to something he might be involved in.

After dealing with what brought him out, he quietly met with one of the hotel attendants and inquired about those people. Nothing! He left the place, made an arrangement with a worker to keep tabs on them and let him know when they leave. They were still discussing when the three men started to leave the hotel. He wanted to follow them immediately but remembered Tracy and Nora. His curiosity was overwhelming at this point, but he doesn’t want them thinking he bailed on them. This made him to quickly pay the attendant to deliver what he ordered to them and inform them he went to get something special for them from across the road. He didn't come out with his phone but didn't think it would be necessary.

    He followed the three as they left the hotel premises. The only problem though, they were mobile and he is not. Quickly, he rushed out and saw one of the taxi’s that come around during evening times and paid him to follow the car he described at a distance. After they settled on the bill, the driver drove off and followed the car just within distance after coming off from Pathway Mark and entering Ama Street. He could see them from his seat and as they drove around further prior to joining the F1 Road and taking a turn to their right, his thoughts continuously analyzed the reason behind the sudden act undertaken by him. The flashbacks from Linagu’s massive invasion reappeared, causing him to snap back and forward inside his mind.

“Slow down” he commanded all of a sudden. Lying ahead of them was the ever busy F1 Roundabout joining Ledding Street to the right and Carriage Avenue to the left. “Are we still following them, Oga?” the driver asked as the followed car turned anti-clockwise at the Roundabout to join Carriage Avenue to their left. “No…Take me back to the hotel” he replied.

“Okay sir” the driver replied before making an anti-clockwise U-turn at the Roundabout and returned to the hotel.

“Hope I didn’t keep you girls waiting” He announced as he entered back into the room. “No, you didn’t. So, what is it you went to buy for us?” Tracy replied. “Just ice cream and chocolate! Hope you guys like it?”

“Yes!” They chorused, rushing up to him to drag it off his arm, almost tripping him in the process.

“Do you guys go clubbing around here?” he asked to no one in particular.

“Nah, we have stopped. We are cool, but we can give you proper directions if you need one” Tracy replied.

“Ouch!” He retorted. “Yeah. Sorry!” She replied back to him before devouring her ice cream.

“Okay, no problem. Quick question though, how well do you know Energy Avenue as well as that axis near Amanze Road?” He asked, moving to the left side of the room, the one with the sweet view of the hotel and its environs. He opened the curtain a bit before moving to the small lavishly designed wooden drawer with a silver lamp and sat there; he didn't rest his back on the wall.

“Mmmm. That place is no go area for people like us.” Nora answered after being silent for a while.

“Really, why?” He asked.

“The government made it that way.” She told him as a matter of fact.

“Okay.” He replied.

“You want to go there?” Tracy asked.

“I would have, but I guess I will mind my business and stay off those areas.” He stated, but more as a deflation. He knew exactly what he was going to do when they left, and he just needed the confirmation to adequately prepare himself.

“We have stayed inside for long don’t you think?" He added. "You guys don’t mind us going downstairs for a stretch or swim? If you are not contemplating going that is.” He ended, talking to none in particular.

“That’s true o.” Tracy echoed, taking a high interest because she loves swimming a lot.

“Yes…You have aroused her hobby. Michael Phelps!” Nora chided.

“Like you don’t love it yourself!” Tracy retorted back.

“Not like you” she replied.

“Hope you are noting Steve? Watch who will be begging for more swim time” Tracy replied. He couldn’t help but laugh small at their constant jovial tantrums. “I’m guessing we all love swimming” He said while he continued smiling. Few minutes later, they all left the room while discussing about swimming related topics.

      The hotel boasts of a five star luxurious swimming pool with the latest modern facilities and décor situated just a few meters from the lounges itself. The tall coconut and dates tree provided the environment with a lush serene atmosphere. The pool itself is a 12ft u-shaped swimming pool, with a nice looking tree beautifully crafted at both ends of the pool, flagged by red armchairs all around and within just few inches from the pool. Further down the pool is an adjunct small pool attached to the main pool itself. A few feet from this small pool near the staircase is a relaxation center about 35ft in length, swiftly decorated but purposely built with a direct view of the pool. The pool is 35metres in length.

You could sparsely observe the whole swimming pool from one glance from the relaxation center, including the sleek bathroom by the pool side. The end part of the relaxation center, that is the left-hand side of the relaxation spot, leads to the pools catering spot where a lot of edibles, swimming accessories and drinks are offered as part of the offing or sold to lodgers based on hotel policies. 

Once they entered the lobby, they walked straight to the accessories spot, got discounts on purchases they made and quickly came down the stairs before entering the bathroom to change. They soon realized that no one was in the pool at the moment. Cackling like a pack of wild dogs, their splash dives made heavy sounds on the water as they all made their dive into the bluish pool waters. Salute by Little Mix came on immediately from the speakers, making Tracy to shout and exclaim in ecstasy, singing alongside the song while imitating the songs video graphics in the original video of the song. As she did this, she started splashing the water playfully at both Nora and Steve. It is one of her favorite songs.

They all had good time in the pool before they called it a day when they got exhausted. After a while, they left. He immediately called the driver again to take him to a location given to him by his dealer to receive his package by 8pm.

*

   They drove out before the appointed time because Steve wanted to first scoop out the area, and didn’t mind that the taxi driver increased the fare. One visible thing he noticed immediately as they drove through many roads and streets was the unusual security around certain points and areas. It didn’t bother him anyway, though in his heart he hoped he doesn’t come into any form of confrontation with security operatives or anyone else. It wasn't long before they reached the place.

“Please stay in the car” Steve ordered the driver as soon as they arrived the place before dialing a number.

“I am there now” he said, after the person on the other end of the call picked up.

“Are you alone?” he asked.

“Yes. Well, if you don’t count my driver that is.” he replied.

“It’s alright. Turn to your left, and keep walking straight…And leave the call on. I will tell you when to stop.” The voice ordered.

“Alright then.” Steve replied and started walking.

After walking for about a minute, the voice on the phone came back on.

“Stop.” And he stopped.

“Look right ahead. I am going to switch in-between three colored lights in the houses ahead, approach the house you will see immediately after the yellow light and tap once on the gate.” He finished and the call went off.

Steve did as instructed, and tapped the gate once on reaching the house. The gate flung open immediately and he walked in. A mean but gentle looking guy approached him just as soon, ushering him in and leading the way into the inner compound, a gigantic but casual looking single storey-building.

“Nice protocols” Steve quipped to the gentleman, who only glanced at him in acknowledgement rather than show acceptance of the remark.

“This way sir” he added immediately they entered what seemed like the central room, though nobody was in it.

A few steps through some corridors, and they arrived at the room. He ushered Steve in and left.

“Seems like he doesn’t talk much” Steve remarked about the person that led him there just as the person directing him on the phone stood up to greet him. He took cognizance of the room, with two mean looking guys flanking the dealer, with their Colt Python six inch barrels loosely visible from the openness of their Russian Mafia suits, while one held a P90 riffle pointed downwards. He already observed on his way in just near what appeared like a Chimney on top the house, the position of the PGM Hecate II which he assumed a trained shooter was behind. They meant business.  

“It’s best for business.” He replied, ushering him to a seat and motioned for one of the guys to bring the package.

“Well, if my English dealer chose your syndicate, then you are probably the best.” Steve remarked.

“Honestly though, what you ordered is something else.” He said.

“You looked at my package?” Steve asked.

“It’s standard procedure just to ensure we are delivering the right order.” He stated. Steve formed a visible angry face, and the other men in the room took serious attention on the proceedings, adjusting their postures accordingly as if ready to gun him down if he made the wrong move or sent the wrong signal.

“I don’t like my packages being checked” he finally said.

“We have taken notice of that.” The dealer replied, and his men relaxed.

Steve’s package contained highly advanced and reconfigured two FN 5-7, Ruger MK3 Target, FN-SCAR and their bullets, specially modified as per his specifications. The bullets were packed separately, and could fill up at least five sized Ruger MK3 cartons. He carefully observed all of them and smiled.

“You know, I didn’t want to do any other transaction with you guys, but I’m happy now, and will love to see some delivery of some other stuffs and packages through your syndicate.”

“We will be greatly obliged.” The dealer replied as they both shook hands. After they concluded the transaction, one of them led Steve out.

The moment he entered the car with his packages, Christie called.

“Hey!” he replied immediately he picked the call.

“Hey yourself!” She retorted immediately.

“What did I do this time?” he asked.

“Exactly what are you doing in Owerri this long?” She asked.

“Haba! I can’t visit my hometown again?” he replied.

“Since when did you start feeling your hometown?” she asked.

“You do remember you are talking about your potential hometown and your future people right?” he cautioned teasingly.

“Stop Steve!” she softened.

“Okay.”

“How are you doing, what’s up with you?” she asked.

“I’m okay. Where are you?”

“With your sister in Abia State University.” She replied.

“Okay then. I will come there tomorrow.” He stated.

“Are you sure?” she queried. “Of course; I wanted to visit her, but since you are there already, I will fast track my coming. Don’t tell her I’m coming though, I want to surprise her.” He stated.

“I will tell her!” Christie simply replied.

“I know you won’t.” He said.

“You want to bet?” she queried.

“Yes.”

“With what?” she inquired.

“If you do it, then I will have no choice than to kill you.” He said, giggling.

Her laughter echoed loudly over the phone while Steve could hear his sister at the background asking Christie a question before she abruptly ended the call.

   His thoughts ran haywire immediately the call ended. This wasn’t how this was supposed to go down. He is supposed to stay at least two more days in the town before going over to his sister’s school, his Alma Mata.

The driver took him back to the hotel, helping him to carry his nicely disguised package inside, though he took it along the way to his room and bid him farewell for the day after paying him in excess.

When he entered his room, he carefully opened it again and filled the bullet chambers of the FN 5-7 as well as the Ruger MK3. Once he was done filling the chambers, he put them both on safe mode. The Ruger MK3 usually packs in .22LR, which is less force than the FN 5-7, but was modified to hit more weight. It’s sleek and simple deadly nature made it a beauty for Steve. Carrying them both in his hands, he dropped the FN 5-7 on the table, raised the Ruger MK3 up to his eye level and pointed it at the door...Click!