The Open Road

Chapter 11

Bob

Cold sweat formed on the side of my face. Involuntary twiddling of my thumbs began promptly. I couldn't go back to the pit, I just couldn't. Jere would probably term me as a foe for not fulfilling my promise thus granting everyone I had ever vexed in prison access to come after my blood. Those bloodhounds would tear me into pieces at the sound of a whistle.

"License and registration."

I watched nervously as Marie fumbled in her purse planning to fish out the said documents; well more like forged documents. The NTSA officer darted his eyes between Marie and our driver before assessing the papers in his palm. I could see the others were comfortable, not at all deterred by the situation. That gave me a little confidence, I was after all, dealing with a certified conwoman.

"Nice try lady, where are the real licence and registration documents of this vehicle."

Shit.

In one fluid movement our designated driver jerked the car forward almost knocking over the officer. He expertly made his way past the line of vehicles which were also awaiting inspection. The driver stepped on the gas pedal giving us a good head start from the officers.

Shit. s**t. s**t.

I was an escaped convict in a stolen car with NTSA officers on our tail. My eyes maniacally darted towards Marie who was calmly tapping away on her cell phone. Her elongated nails threatened to c***k the screen, each tap releasing a distinct irritating sound. Why was she not nervous? These were not just any officers, rumors had it that no one has ever been able to bribe a member of the NTSA. This agency had been mandated by the government with the aim of eradicating poor driving. The goal was to reduce the amount of accidents on the road. The day it was made public I poured champagne on a flute and toasted to Kenyans making progress.

Now, now I was wishing the organization had never been birthed.

I averted my attention from Marie and shifted my bodyweight to view our pursuers. They were still hot on our tail and sooner rather than later, their counterparts would show up and we would definitely be cornered. Did I mention there was a huge bag of coke playing the role of my seat mate?

Shit. s**t. s**t. s**t!

I snapped my eyes shut and planted my palms on the hot leather cover of my seat. Slowly, I forced air in through my nose and held it for a few seconds before releasing It through my mouth. I had to breathe. I needed to breathe. An image of Sue appeared in my mind. She was stunning as ever, gorgeous smile, fiery eyes...Was this really it? Was I going to go back in without even attempting to clear my name?

This was not how it was supposed to go down.

I fluttered my eyes open, there was something going on, a static I could not quite place.

That is when it all happened.

Whatever message Marie had sent did what I can only describe as magic. Vehicles that were at bay awaiting assessment had aggressively roared to life and began heading towards different directions. A chuckle escaped my throat as I spotted a whirlwind of dust around us. The vehicles were so many that the NTSA officers just came to a halt, alighted their cars and stood rooted on the spot astounded by the scene unfolding before them. Vehicles on the road also stopped intrigued by the whole scenario. Everywhere I looked there were perplexed and yet amused people standing next to their cars with their cell phones held in front of them. The videos would go viral in a matter of minutes. I slid in my seat, afraid that one of them might capture my face unknowingly. Technology had a way of either improving or destroying a person's life.

"Relax Bob, the windows are tinted. You can see them but they...they cannot see you."

For some reason, this statement felt somewhat heavy. What was Marie hiding?

It took me a while to realize that we had taken a different lane which had led us into a narrow, rocky road. We were free, we were actually free. I couldn't believe it.

"Damn it Marie you did it! Did you see their faces when it all went down? How they couldn't believe what they were seeing? Damn it Marie you are a f*****g genius!"

Jango, our designated driveer, who I had finally learned his name was showering Marie with praises. Not even Marie had the heart to silence him. I, too, was elated but something still bothered me.

"What about the number plate? I'm sure the officer scribbled it down."

"Relax, I know a guy who can change the car plate."

Indeed, a certified con-woman. I let myself relax into my seat, summoning back my nap as Jango chatted away happily about how sleek Marie was, I wholeheartedly agreed with every word he was saying

.

A shrill sound brought me back to the land of the living. I fought thee urge to murder the source of that annoying sound, which turned out to be me. My cell phone was ringing. Sleep drained from my body in a matter of seconds as my eyes landed on the time frame on the screen, it was 7:00 pm. The shrill sound blared through the air yet again gaining sneers from everyone in the car. I quickly answered it, not wanting to further piss them off.

"You are not here. I said that you should be here by 7:00 pm. I've left a note. See you...well, never."

Before I could even plead my case, the other line went dead. My heart fell. How was I going to get a lead on proving my innocence now? Marie shifted in her seat to regard me. For a moment, her dark eyes flashed with concern. This, however, vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

"My dealer has left but he says that he left some note for me. I guess it will tell me where we should meet."

Marie nodded and proceeded to tell Jango to drop me off at the given location. By the time we reached there, I was late by six minutes. Whatever happened to arriving places based on African time? Was it not a prided part of our culture? I alighted the car after pinning my cap firmly on my head to cover my face, I was still a wanted man. I then proceeded to thank both Marie and Jango for the lift. Marie promised to keep in touch handing me a tied bundle of money. My first instinct was to turn her down but I needed the cash. How else was I going to survive?

My lips quirked up and formed what I imagined to be a grateful smile. Before I could verbalize my emotions, the car lurched forward and sped away leaving me alone in Naivasha. Tom had specified our meeting coordinates and indeed after a few minutes of searching, I found a well hidden note with my name on it. Crouching to the ground, I picked it up and unfolded it.

Njani estate, house number 34. I will be in touch Bob. Oh and he will help you.

I furrowed my eyebrows at the last statement. He will help me? Who is this he and was I meant to blindly trust him? As I was lifting myself off the ground, I felt a blunt object hit the back of my head. Before I could process the pain, I felt myself fall towards the ground.