The unknown Enemy

Episode 1 May, on coming down from the plane, was very excited to be home again. She had been in the United States for ten years without visiting home. On seeing her mum, Kara, and her childhood best friend, Bucky, May was overcome with happiness. "Mum, Bucky, I am so excited to see you again after ten years!" May said, hugging them tightly. "And we are too. Welcome back to Nigeria, your father’s land," Kara said. "That reminds me, Mum, where is Dad?" "Dad? Oh, he is busy with his business," Kara replied. Bucky offered a small smile. "You've grown into a beautiful damsel. How is the United States?" "The US is fine. By the way, you look even more beautiful," May teased. She turned back to her mother, her smile fading into a slight frown. "Mummy, seriously, I don't like what Dad did. He could have come to welcome me." "So..." a deep voice interrupted. May whirled around and gasped. "Dad!" she shouted, running to hug him. "Dad, I missed you so much." "And I missed you more, my princess. Let's go home," Chris said, holding May's hand warmly. "So, how is the United States?" "America is fine, Dad. I am just so glad to finally be a graduate." "Wow, congrats baby," Bucky chimed in, smiling as May patted her shoulder. "So Bucky, how is your school? Or are you now a graduate, a doctor, a lawyer, or what?" "Hell no, May! I don't want to go to school again," Bucky replied flatly. "But why?" May asked, looking completely surprised. "Girls, we are still at the airport. When we get home, you can discuss that," Kara intervened. "Okay, Mum," Bucky and May responded in unison. Immediately upon reaching the estate, May jumped down from the car and ran inside the house. "Home sweet home! I am happy to be back in Nigeria because there really is no place like home," May said, her excitement radiant. "Welcome back home, Madam," the maids said, bowing respectfully. "Thanks, guys," May said, bowing back with a warm smile. Hours later, during dinner, May wasn't concentrating on her meal. She was deeply troubled by Bucky's sudden refusal to go to school, her mind drifting back to their childhood and the tragic way Bucky's biological parents had died. "May, you aren't eating. Why?" Bucky asked, snapping May out of her thoughts. "Yes... I am just thinking," May replied quietly. "Thinking about what? What is so important that it's keeping you from your food?" Kara asked, her voice laced with deep concern. "Why would Bucky suddenly decide to stop going to school?" Chris chimed in calmly, "Bucky knows why, May. Besides, higher education isn't the only path. She can learn how to run a business through hands-on experience." "Dad, this isn't right!" May argued, her voice rising. "Education is important, and it is the ultimate key to success." "But we can't force her, May. It's her life," Kara added, trying to keep the peace. "Mum, this is totally ridiculous!" May snapped, throwing her hands up. "You are her foster parents, for Christ's sake! You have to make sure she maintains a forward-looking mindset." Bucky slammed her fork down onto her plate, the sharp metal clatter cutting across the conversation. "May, stop blaming your parents! I decided not to go to school because going to school is a total waste of time and money. I am just a failure in the classroom..." "Shut up, Bucky, and spare me that trash!" May shouted, glaring fiercely across the table. "What do you mean by being a failure? Look, Bucky, your parents—especially your mom—would never want this for you. You have to be well-educated." "May, I have made up my mind. No more school, and that is final!" Bucky yelled back. "Are you kidding me, Bucky? Are you even aware that you are killing your own future?" "Just stop it, May! Stop acting like my manager or my parent," Bucky shouted, her cheeks flushing with annoyance. "Just be happy that you are the one who is now a graduate!" May stared at her in utter disbelief. "Bucky, are you yelling at me? Are you going insane?" "May, that’s quite enough," Chris interrupted, his stern, booming voice cutting through the tension. "By the way, both of us are going to the company headquarters tomorrow morning." May blinked, momentarily distracted from the argument. "To do what?" "You are to inherit my company when I am gone, so I want to introduce you to the executive staff tomorrow," Chris said proudly. May frowned, completely taken aback. "Dad, but I read law, not business!" "You are going into business," Chris replied flatly, his tone leaving absolutely no room for argument. "Dad, that is not possible!" May argued, gesturing toward her childhood friend. "You have Bucky. She can inherit the company!" Chris’s expression hardened instantly, and he slammed his hand flat on the table. "Don't piss me off! You are taking over, and that is final. As for Bucky, she can be your second-in-command. I have another enterprise lined up for her." "This is not making any sense!" May cried, tears of frustration stinging her eyes. "I am a holder of advanced degrees in law! I spent ten long years reading, and is this all I get? Mum, please help me talk to Dad. I don't want to be a CEO!" May pleaded, turning to her mother. Instead of answering, Kara and Chris stood up together, ignoring her pleas, and silently left the dining table. Bucky leaned across the empty space, her tone softening slightly. "You should listen to your parents, May. They love you and only want the best for you." "Pardon? What 'best'?" May shouted, her voice echoing off the walls. "Or worse, maybe my parents don't care about my happiness at all!" With a frustrated cry, May pushed her chair back, glared at the empty room, and stormed away from the table. *** The following day at the company, Chris proudly introduced May to the assembly of staff. Everyone clapped and smiled warmly, excited to finally see the boss's daughter in person. A sleekly dressed young lady stepped forward, offering a polite bow. "Hi, Boss. I am Crystal, your father’s P.A. It’s a true pleasure to meet you, Ma," Crystal said, extending her hand. "It’s my pleasure too," May answered, returning the handshake with a polite smile. "Ma, I am so glad and excited to meet you in person," Crystal continued enthusiastically. "Your dad talks a lot about you. I guess you are Daddy’s girl!" May laughed softly, the lingering tension from the night before easing a bit. "You are funny, Crystal. I guess Dad missed me a lot. I have been away from Nigeria for ten long years." "Wow! By the way, congratulations on your graduation," Crystal said, her eyes wide with genuine admiration. "It’s really not easy to graduate with First Class honors," Crystal added, handing a fresh mug of coffee over to May. May looked down at it. "Who told you I love coffee?" "Your dad. He loves it a lot; it’s always the first thing I prepare for him every morning." "Wow, you are very smart. So..." May paused, eyeing her curiously. "Are you married?" Crystal chuckled. "Married? Of course not! And I'm not even ready yet." "Why?" "Nothing, really. But what about you, Ma?" Crystal asked, turning the question back around. "No, I haven't." "But you must have a fiancé or a boyfriend back in the States?" "No, I have none," May replied firmly. "Why?" Crystal asked, her voice filled with genuine curiosity. "Maybe because I am a Nigerian and I don't want to be far from home ever again. Or maybe because that's simply what my heart seeks right now." "And?" Crystal prodded. "And what again, Crystal? I think you are just a professional gossip," May teased, pointing a playful finger at her. Crystal simply shook her head, smiling warmly. "I love your type, Ma," Crystal said genuinely. "You are proud of your country. At least you are not a spoilt brat..." "And who is the spoilt brat?" Bucky’s sharp voice suddenly interrupted as she burst straight into May's office, glaring between them. "Oh, are you trying to refer to me because I always scold you?" "No, Ma," Crystal answered, her smile instantly vanishing as she began shivering under Bucky's fierce gaze. "Then who is the spoilt brat? And how dare you sit so casually with your boss!" Bucky shouted, stepping forward aggressively. "That's enough, Bucky!" May snapped, standing up to defend her assistant. "I called her in here. Besides, I find solace in talking with her." Bucky crossed her arms, her chest heaving. "What is that supposed to mean? She just called me a spoilt brat!" "I guess I didn't hear her call you that," May defended smoothly. "Are you solemn about that, so you want her to just go free?" Bucky asked, her tone deeply accusatory. May sighed, turning to her assistant. "Crystal, you can leave us." Crystal bowed quickly and practically fled the office, shutting the heavy door firmly behind her. May walked out from behind her desk and sat down on the swivel chair opposite Bucky. "Bucky, you are too forward. Crystal wasn't referring to you. Don't always act so mean to people." "Are you kidding me, May? I am mean and forward? Are you out of your mind? Why are you always too nice to people?" "Why shouldn't I act nice?" May countered calmly. "They have done nothing wrong to me. I see no reason why I should humiliate them." Bucky rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine. Go on. By the way, you need to sign those files on the desk." "Okay, I'll sign them." "Just call my P.A. on your way out," May told her. "Since you are so close to the telephone, why don't you give her a call?" Bucky said mockingly, turning on her heel. "Excuse me?" May called out. "You heard me," Bucky answered coldly, not even bothering to look back before slamming the door behind her. *** Six weeks later, May had officially transitioned into the role of full CEO of the company. Bucky, Chris, and Kara were all immensely proud of her operational success. But far away from the celebration, in a dimly lit, shadowy room, a burner phone rang. "Hello?" an unknown voice answered. A cold, calculating voice spoke on the other end of the line. "By 12:00 PM, he will be heading out to the office. Make sure our plan is well executed. Make sure you are not caught." "That is not a problem you should worry about," the assassin replied with a dark, chilling chuckle. "I am a professional. Just consider the job done already." "I know you will never fail me. That is why I always trust you." "And what about Chris's daughter, May?" the assassin asked. The mastermind's voice grew dangerously quiet. "I've got another plan for her. Her death date is near." "Alright." Later that same day, Chris called Crystal into his private office. "Crystal, I am about to go on a vacation, and I don't know when I will be back," Chris said, his face etched with a sudden, uncharacteristic gravity. "My daughter, May, is smart. She has learned so much about the company, but at times, she acts incredibly stubborn. Please, I trust you completely. Tutor her, take care of her, and watch over her until I return." "That won't be a problem, Sir. I will take excellent care of her," Crystal assured him with a respectful bow. "Lest I forget... I left a private file locked in my home safe. Don't let anyone find it—not even May or Bucky. I trust only you with this information." "Yes, Sir," Crystal said softly. Chris tapped her shoulder gently and walked away. Crystal took a deep breath, steeling herself, and walked back to her own workstation. Meanwhile, May was buried under a mountain of corporate paperwork, deep into corporate research, when Bucky suddenly barged in again. "Ah, May, you are still busy?" Bucky asked. May didn't even bother to look up from her laptop. "Yeah, I am busy. This new job is killing me. I am so tired," May answered, rubbing her temples. "I'm still reading all these names of research papers... What else could I do? Should I kill myself?" Before Bucky could answer, the office door was violently banged open. Crystal stood in the doorway, breathless, her face completely pale. "Excuse me, Ma..." "Are you having a problem with knocking today, Crystal?" May started to scold, but stopped instantly when she saw her assistant's expression. "Crystal, you look horrible. What is it?" "We... we have a problem, Ma," Crystal stammered, tears springing to her eyes. "Your... your dad..." Bucky stepped forward, asking snappingly, "What about him?" "He has been... assassinated by an unknown gunman." "What?!" Bucky and May exclaimed in unison. May stood up, the entire room spinning around her. "I am extremely shocked about this news! No, Crystal, tell me you are kidding. This is an April Fool's joke, right?" May pleaded, desperately searching Crystal's face for any sign of a cruel prank. "I am sorry, Madam, but it is the absolute truth. The news is everywhere on the internet," Crystal cried. As Bucky pulled out her phone and logged on to verify, May's voice cracked. "What?!" she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "May, she is right..." Bucky said, her voice dropping to a horrified whisper as she stared at the breaking news headline. "Dad! Daddy!" May screamed. "No! I don't believe it!" Wailing hysterically, May sprinted out of the office, and Bucky ran fast right after her. Back at the family house, Kara had already heard the devastating news. She was on her knees, crying uncontrollably. "What wrong did my husband commit? Who stole him away from me? My husband... I hope this news is not true!" The front door burst open, and Bucky, May, and Crystal rushed into the living room. "Mum... so it's the truth? Dad is not back?" May asked, dropping to her knees beside her mother. Kara looked at her daughter, her voice cracking with absolute despair as she pronounced the finality of it: "Your dad is already in the morgue." On hearing this, the room went black for May, and she fainted into a heap on the floor. Bucky fell down beside her, tears dropping rapidly down her cheeks, while Kara sat completely speechless and paralyzed by the sheer shock of the tragedy. The heavy scent of medical antiseptic couldn’t mask the absolute dread hanging in the private hospital wing. When May finally opened her eyes, the rhythmic, sterile beep of a heart monitor was the only sound in the room. For a split second, she forgot. Then, the memory of her mother’s words hit her like a physical blow. A sob caught in her throat. She sat up too fast, ripping the IV line from the back of her hand. "May! Thank God you're awake, please don't move," Bucky said, rushing to her bedside from the corner of the room. Her eyes were bloodshot, her usual fiery attitude completely drained, leaving her looking hollow. "The doctor said you collapsed from severe shock." "It's a lie, Bucky. Tell me it's a nightmare," May choked out, grabbing Bucky’s forearms desperately. "Who would want to kill Dad? He was just a businessman! He didn't hurt anyone!" Bucky couldn't look her in the eye. She gently pulled away, looking down at the tiled floor. "The police are already at the house. They said it looks like a targeted hit. Professional. They... they don't have any leads yet." "Okay," May said quietly, lying back down. Chris was buried soon after. The funeral was a blur of black umbrellas, heavy rain, and suffocating condolences. Standing by the freshly dug grave, May stared down at her father’s casket. The tears had dried on her cheeks, replaced by a cold, hollow focus. As the final handful of earth was thrown, she made a silent, unyielding vow: *I will find who did this, Daddy. Even if I have to dig through hell myself. Two agonizing months had passed since the murder, and the precinct was still buzzing with frantic energy. Leading the charge was Detective Nana—a young, sharp-witted C.I.D. agent who commanded absolute fear throughout the town. Yet, the most frustrating detail about her wasn’t her cold demeanor; it was the fact that nobody actually knew her true identity. She was a ghost in a trench coat. "Mr. Chris Smith was a respectable man," one of the rookie officers muttered, staring at the evidence board. "That’s exactly why he was targeted by an unknown phantom." "Quiet!" Nana snapped, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Sentiment won't catch a ghost. We need to find this killer now. Because if we fail, the killer will return to finish the job and assassinate his wife, Kara, and his daughter, May." The rookie swallowed hard. "But Ma, what’s our move?" "Get close to the family. Shadow their every step," Nana commanded, leaning over the table. "The killer isn't looking in from the outside. This is an inside job. The threat is already in the house." Another officer spoke up. "But Madam, Chris's immediate circle only consists of four people." "Name them," Nana demanded. "His wife Kara; his biological daughter, May; and a girl named Bucky. Bucky isn't his blood relation—she was May’s childhood best friend. Her parents passed away years ago, so Chris legally adopted her." The officer paused, tapping a folder. "Then there’s Mike. Chris’s only brother. What if he’s the one pulling the strings?" "Unlikely," Nana countered swiftly. She pointed a sharp finger at a senior detective. "You—dig into the ballistics. Find the sniper who pulled the trigger. Leave the family dynamics to me." "But Ma," the detective hesitated, "the family doesn't know you. Nobody knows you. How are you going to get close to them without revealing your identity?" "Don't worry about who I am," Nana said, throwing her coat over her shoulder as she walked toward the exit. "We have exactly six weeks before the trail goes cold. Let's move." *** Meanwhile, in the quiet safety of the Smith company, May was drowning her grief in paperwork. The door clicked open, breaking her concentration as her assistant, Crystal, stepped into the study. "You wanted to see me, Madam?" Crystal asked quietly. "Yes, Crystal. Take a seat," May replied, gesturing toward the leather swivel chair across from her desk without looking up from her papers. Crystal sat, but the tension in the room was palpable. "I heard rumors about the lead investigator on my father's case. A woman named Detective Nana. They say she’s brilliant, a prodigy... but no one has ever seen her face or knows her real name. It’s unsettling." May finally paused, her pen hovering over the page. "I don't care about her secrets, Crystal. If she’s deep undercover, that's her business. But she is the only person who can find my father's killer. I want to know who she is. Find out whatever details you can." Crystal looked down uncomfortably. "I’ve tried, Ma. There’s nothing. Her files are completely blacked out. She’s incredibly smart. But... if I may ask, why are you so desperate to unmask her?" "Because she holds the key to my father's justice," May said, her voice cracking slightly. "I need to look her in the eye." "Don't worry, Madam. The truth always comes to light," Crystal said softly, standing up to leave. "If Detective Nana is as ruthless as they say, your father's killer will be brought to justice sooner rather than later." "I hope so," May sighed, rubbing her temples. "On your way out, call Bucky for me." Crystal walked toward the door, her hand resting on the brass knob. She froze, turning back with a heavy look of hesitation. "What is it?" May asked, noticing her assistant's sudden change in posture. Crystal took a deep, shaky breath. "Bucky... your best friend. How much do you really trust her?" May’s expression hardened instantly. "I trust her with my life, Crystal. Don't even hint at the idea that she had anything to do with my dad's murder. Bucky can be sharp-tongued and rude, yes, but she has a good heart and can't hurt a fly. She loved my daddy so much." "Ma, I'm just saying... the worst enemies wear familiar faces. The threat might be sleeping under your roof." May stood up, narrowing her eyes. "Since when did you trade your assistant badge for a police shield, Crystal? If you have that much investigative energy, redirect it toward finding out who Detective Nana really is." Crystal bowed her head, stepping back out into the hallway. "I just want you to be safe, Ma. I'm sorry." As the door clicked shut, the silence in the room felt heavier than before, leaving May alone with her doubts. Crystal murmured a final, tense apology through the closing gap for questioning Bucky’s loyalty. "It's fine. You can go," May said flatly. Crystal gave a low, respectful bow and slipped out of the room, leaving May alone with the heavy silence. A few minutes later, the door swung open again. This time it was Bucky. She took one look at May's slumped posture and sighed. "You look completely drained, May. What’s wrong?" "I'm trying to dig up a background check on this Detective Nana," May muttered, rubbing her eyes. "Her profile is a brick wall. The woman is a ghost." Bucky crossed her arms. "Why are you obsessing over her file anyway?" "Because she’s the lead investigator on Dad’s murder!" May cried out, slamming a folder shut. "And she’s a professional," Bucky countered gently. "What more do you want from her? Let her do her job." "I just need to know who she is. I need to know what she looks like!" Bucky scoffed. "Are you serious right now? She’s deep undercover, May. That’s how the C.I.D. works. It’s been over two months since Dad was stolen from us, and we are no closer to finding the monster who did it. I’m reeling from shock every day because Dad never did a single dishonest thing in his life." Bucky stepped closer to the desk, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper. "What if someone was jealous of his empire? What if this was a corporate execution? What if he crossed the wrong person in his past? Whoever is behind this wants our company completely destroyed." May paused, resting her chin in her hands as she slowly spun her swivel chair to face the window. "If that’s true... then I am the next target on their list. I have to fortify my defenses before they figure out my next move." Bucky gasped. "Are you out of your mind?!" "I have to find this unknown killer," May whispered, her eyes dark with determination, "before they come back to finish us both off." Bucky’s heart raced. She stared at her adoptive sister in absolute shock. "May, stop talking like a target! Don't let yourself become another victim. I can't lose you too." "Dad's killer will not walk free," May said, her voice dripping with ice. "I will hunt them down myself." "Listen to yourself! What if you die in the crossfire? Stop acting so incredibly stubborn! For Chris's sake, be sensible!" "Leave me alone!" May shouted, standing up so fast her chair rattled. "Don't you get it? The target is painted on my back! The writing is on the wall, Bucky!" "Fine! Throw your life away! But leave me out of your reckless crusade!" Bucky yelled back. May let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "Oh, as if you actually care!" Bucky froze. "Excuse me?" "You heard me! You’re acting like this doesn't even affect you!" Tears finally spilled down May’s cheeks. "Our family is in mortal danger! The sniper who murdered our father is coming for me next, and your brilliant advice is for me to sit down, shut up, and do nothing? I have to act fast before my life is cut short!" "How dare you say I don't care!" Bucky shouted back, her voice cracking with fierce emotion. "This family is my family! Chris raised me as his own blood! I lie awake every single night agonizing over who killed him!" May slammed both hands onto the desk. "Then help me avenge him! Because I won’t stop until it's done!" Outside the heavy wooden door, the hallway was silent. But inside the adjacent closet, Crystal sat in the dark, her ears pressed to the wall while her fingers flew silently across her laptop keyboard. She watched the data stream across her screen and whispered to herself, "Don't worry, Ma. I've got your back. I will find the Master's killer. I'm already closer than you think." *** The following morning, the atmosphere in the estate was suffocatingly tense. Kara called May into the living room, her face pale and lined with exhaustion. "May, please sit down," Kara began, her voice trembling. "I know the timing of this is terrible. I know your father's passing is still a fresh wound in our hearts. But before he died... your dad made me promise him something. He desperately wanted to see you married." May blinked, utterly blindsided. "So?" "So... I need you to find a husband. Now." "What?!" May exploded, jumping to her feet. "Mom, are you insane? I am twenty-five years old!" "I know how old you are, my daughter!" Kara pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "But you've been called to the bar, you are a qualified lawyer, and you are running a massive corporation alone. If you marry a good man, he can shoulder the weight of the company with you. You can focus on your legal career and your safety!" "Mom, I am not marrying a stranger while my father's blood is still wet on the ground!" May screamed. "I refuse to let anyone have access to my father's life’s work until his murderer is brought to justice!" Bucky, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, finally spoke up. "May... Mom might actually be right about this." May spun around, betrayal stinging her chest. "Oh, really? If it’s such a fantastic idea, why don't you go ahead and marry him? You're his daughter too!" "But you are his true blood daughter, May! The company belongs to you!" Bucky shouted back. "I need space to think before I lose my mind!" May yelled, storming out of the house and slamming the front door behind her. Kara buried her face in her hands, sobbing silently. Bucky knelt down beside her, rubbing her shoulder gently. "Don't cry, Mom. Don't mind May's anger. I'll talk some sense into her. You know she’s just blinded by grief over Dad." "I know, Bucky," Kara wept, looking up. "But I can't let her destroy her future. She is going to throw her entire life away all in the name of this obsession with her dad's death." Bucky’s eyes hardened slightly as she stared at the closed door. "I know, Mom. Don't worry. May is going to have to learn the hard way."