The Last Heir
438 Words
Chapter 18: The Last Heir
The photograph lay on the table.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the little boy standing beside Tife and her parents.
"He looks about five years old," Idris said.
Tife frowned.
"I don't remember him."
"You were too young," Malik replied. "Some memories were buried to protect you."
Umar picked up the photograph.
"Who is he?"
Malik hesitated.
"His name is Daniel."
Silence filled the room.
"He isn't just another child," Malik continued. "He is your cousin... the son of your father's older brother."
Tife's eyes widened.
"So he's really part of the Kareem family?"
Malik nodded.
"When the attacks began years ago, your father made the hardest decision of his life. He separated the two of you."
"Why?"
"So if one child was found, the other might survive."
Tife felt tears sting her eyes.
"So I've had family all this time..."
"You have," Malik said softly. "But Daniel has no idea who he really is."
Idris leaned forward.
"Do we know where he is now?"
Malik pulled a faded file from his bag.
"I've been tracking him for years."
He opened it.
Inside were recent photographs of a young man in his twenties.
"He lives in Abuja under a different name."
Umar looked relieved.
"So we still have time."
Before Malik could answer, his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen, and his face turned pale.
"What is it?" Tife asked.
He slowly lowered the phone.
"We're too late."
The room fell silent.
Malik turned the screen toward them.
It was a live news broadcast.
BREAKING NEWS
A young businessman identified as Daniel Adeyemi has been kidnapped by unknown armed men outside his office in Abuja.
Tife gasped.
"No..."
Idris clenched his fists.
"Farouk."
Malik nodded grimly.
"He has Daniel."
Tife stood up immediately.
"Then we're going to Abuja."
Umar looked at her.
"It won't be that simple."
"Why not?"
"Because Farouk won't keep him in an ordinary place."
Malik reached into his coat and unfolded an old map.
He placed it on the table.
At the center was a single location marked with a red circle.
KAREEM ESTATE – PRIVATE ISLAND
"The final battle won't happen in the mansion," Malik said.
"It will happen here."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Tife stared at the map.
This wasn't just a rescue mission anymore.
It was a fight for her family's legacy.
Far away, on the private island...
Daniel slowly opened his eyes.
He was tied to a chair in a dimly lit room.
A door creaked open.
Farouk stepped inside with a cold smile.
"Welcome home... nephew."
End of Chapter 18
- Writer
