Take a Message to Kelsey

CH. 1: Black December

The Harmattan wind whispered through the streets of Lagos, carrying with it the crisp scent of the season. Inside the Anayo residence, the glow of multicolored lights danced across the walls, casting a warm ambiance that contrasted with the cool evening air seeping through the slightly ajar windows.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Jane Anayo stood over a steaming pot of jollof rice, the rich aroma of tomatoes, peppers, and spices filling the room. She stirred meticulously, ensuring the rice absorbed the flavors perfectly. Beside her, a tray of puff-puff rested, golden brown and inviting. The kitchen counter was adorned with bowls of chin chin and plates of moin-moin, each dish a testament to the family's culinary traditions. The refrigerator hummed softly, stocked with bottles of zobo and chilled malt drinks, ready to quench the thirst of anticipated guests that night.

Amber gently pushed open the kitchen door, the savory aroma of simmering stews filling her senses. Her mother, Mrs. Jane Anayo, stood at the counter, meticulously chopping vegetables, her movements precise and practiced.

"Mama, may I speak with you for a moment?" Amber asked softly, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Mrs. Anayo paused, looking up from her task, her eyes reflecting both warmth and curiosity. "Of course, my dear. What is it?"

Amber took a small breath before speaking. "I received a message from Ayotunde. He won't be able to join us for Christmas this year. His duties in Jos require him to stay through the holidays."

A brief shadow crossed Mrs. Anayo's face, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I see." She set down the knife, wiping her hands on a nearby cloth. "It's unfortunate, but his commitment to serving the nation comes first."

Amber nodded, her eyes downcast. "Yes, Mama. He sends his love and promises to visit as soon as he can."

A gentle smile touched Mrs. Anayo's lips. "We must keep him in our prayers, asking for his safety and well-being." She reached out, placing a comforting hand on Amber's shoulder. "At least we have reason to celebrate tonight. Kelsey will be joining us to mark his recent success."

Amber's face brightened at the mention of her younger brother. "Yes, Mama. It's a blessing to have him with us, especially during this time."

Mrs. Anayo nodded, her expression softening. "Family is our greatest strength." She resumed her preparations, the rhythmic chopping resuming its place in the kitchen's symphony. "Now, let's ensure everything is perfect for tonight's celebration."

Amber stepped forward, ready to assist. "I'll set the table and make sure the decorations are in order."

"Thank you, my dear," Mrs. Anayo replied, her voice filled with gratitude. "Together, we'll make this a memorable evening."

As mother and daughter worked side by side, the bond of family enveloped them, providing warmth and comfort amidst the challenges they faced.

In the living room, Mr. Dennis Anayo adjusted the ornaments on the artificial Christmas tree, a centerpiece of their holiday décor. The tree stood tall, its branches adorned with tinsel, baubles, and a star perched at the very top. The walls were lined with strings of fairy lights, their gentle twinkling mirroring the excitement in the household. On the stereo, a classic carol played softly, blending harmoniously with the distant echoes of fireworks - 'knock-outs' as they were locally known - being set off by neighborhood children.

A few moments later, the Anayo family gathered in the dining room, waiting for Kelsey.

Mr. Dennis Anayo sat at the head of the dining table, his fingers tapping restlessly against the polished wood. His brows were furrowed, his jaw clenched, and an air of impatience lingered around him like a storm cloud. The warm glow of the chandelier above them cast flickering shadows across the grand table, which was laden with a feast fit for royalty. Steam rose from freshly prepared pounded yam and egusi soup, bowls of spicy jollof rice, grilled tilapia, and an assortment of native delicacies. The aroma of rich spices filled the room, teasing their senses, but no one had touched their plates. They were waiting.

Jane Anayo, his wife, adjusted her shawl and sighed, stealing a glance at her husband. "Dennis, relax. Kelsey will be here soon. You know how these things are. He’s probably stuck in traffic."

Dennis scoffed. "Traffic? At this hour? On Christmas Eve? He knows we always eat together on this night. Yet, here we are, waiting for him while the food gets cold!"

Amber, their eldest daughter, gave a small chuckle. "Dad, you’re acting as if Kelsey is still a child. He’s a grown man now - a lawyer, remember? He’s probably soaking in his victory."

Dennis let out a huff, but pride flickered in his eyes. "His first case... and he won it. Our boy is truly making us proud."

Still, impatience gnawed at him. With a decisive nod, he grabbed his phone and dialed Kelsey’s number. It rang twice before the voice of his son came through.

"Dad!"

Dennis’ lips twitched into a reluctant smile. "Kelsey, my boy! Congratulations! You did it! You won your first case! I always knew you had it in you."

"Thank you, Dad." Kelsey’s voice was warm, full of gratitude.

"Yes, yes, but where are you? The food is getting cold. We’re all waiting for you."

"I’m close to the house, Dad. I’ll be there soon."

Jane clapped her hands in excitement. "Hurry, my dear! We are waiting for you!"

"I will, Mom."

Amber leaned in with a grin. "Kelsey, you better hurry before I finish your portion."

Kelsey chuckled. "I’ll be there soon enough."

Dennis ended the call and leaned back, his previous irritation replaced with joy. "Our son, the lawyer! We raised him well."

Jane beamed, placing a hand on her husband’s arm. "Yes, we did."

Amber raised her glass. "To Kelsey!"

Just as they all raised their drinks to toast, a loud, firm knock echoed through the house.

"That must be him!" Jane said, her face lighting up.

Amber practically leaped from her chair, rushing to the door with an excited bounce in her step. She pulled it open with a wide smile -

And froze.

Five men stood in the doorway, their faces concealed beneath black masks. The dim light from the hallway caught the gleaming barrels of their guns. The tallest one, standing at the center, stepped forward. His grip on his rifle was firm, his presence suffocating.

Amber’s breath caught in her throat. She tried to slam the door shut, but a strong hand shoved it open, sending her stumbling backward.

"Don’t make a sound," the deep voice of the leader warned. "Unless you want to die."

Amber trembled, her heart pounding violently against her ribs. Her legs felt like jelly, refusing to move as the men stormed into the house. The dining room, once filled with warmth and celebration, became a chamber of horror. Mr. and Mrs. Anayo barely had time to react before the men forced them onto the floor at gunpoint.

"Face down!" the leader barked.

Dennis and Jane obeyed immediately, their bodies trembling against the cool tiles. Amber remained frozen, her eyes wide with terror. One of the masked men grabbed her arm and dragged her forward, shoving her toward the dining area where her parents lay in fear.

The leader - Damilare - slowly lowered himself onto one of the dining chairs. He surveyed the feast before him, a ghost of amusement crossing his hardened face. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, his gun never leaving his grip.

"Where is Kelsey?" His voice was calm, almost casual, but there was an underlying threat woven into every syllable.

Dennis swallowed hard. "I swear...we don’t know where he is. He isn’t home yet."

Jane’s voice cracked as she pleaded, "Please...he’s not here yet. We have no idea where he is."

Damilare’s eyes darkened. He was a man of quick temper and little patience. He gestured to his men. "Search the house. If you find him, I’ll make sure none of them live to see tomorrow."

Two of the men rushed off, their heavy boots thudding against the floor as they ransacked every corner of the house. Minutes later, they returned, shaking their heads. "Boss, he’s not here."

Damilare’s expression hardened. "So, he’s not home?" He exhaled sharply before tilting his head to the side. "Then you will all pay for him."

"No! Please!" Jane screamed, tears streaming down her face.

"Mercy, please!" Amber sobbed, clutching at her father’s sleeve.

Damilare clicked his tongue, as though bored by their cries. Then, in a swift motion, he c****d his pistol and pressed it to Dennis’ forehead. Before anyone could react, the gunshot rang out, echoing through the house.

Dennis Anayo collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.

"No!" Jane shrieked, her cries piercing through the night.

But Damilare did not flinch. He turned the gun to Jane and, without hesitation, pulled the trigger. Another shot. Another body hit the floor.

Amber screamed, shaking violently as she fell to her knees. "Please...please don’t kill me!"

Damilare stepped toward her, his gun leveled at her forehead. Her breath hitched, waiting for the inevitable shot.

But then, he lowered the gun.

He leaned in, his dark eyes burning into hers. "Take a message to Kelsey. Tell him he hasn’t won anything. Hiding will not save him."

Amber shuddered, nodding rapidly, anything to keep him from pulling the trigger.

Damilare smirked, turning away. But just as Amber thought it was over, he stopped. He turned back and made a small hand gesture.

His men lunged forward, grabbing Amber roughly. She let out a terrified scream, but it was drowned out by Damilare’s cold laughter.

Christmas Eve had turned into a black December for the Anayo family.