HUNTED

HUNTED EPISODE 5

™

HUNTED

An Mma Moses mindset

5

We quickly made an entry in the police station with the goat head and later as evidence that our lives is under serious threat. That wasn't the first time. Infact, almost all the laters we have been sent so far were in Area Command. And since they haven't done anything, we proceeded to zone 5. They referred us back to our local station but promised to do whatever they can to apprehend the culprit. They also advised us to install CCTV cameras which we did.

The irony of this whole thing is that the cameras haven't shown anything strange. Yet, we continued receiving these threats.

I and my husband was left in serious thought every night guessing who could be behind this.

We lost our peace of mind. Fear set in. We wouldn't eat anything I didn't personally cook or supervise. Everything we ate and drank was stored upstairs in our private suite and locked at all times with I and my husband having the key. Every single person was a suspect and if you ever serve us anything eatable, we would ask you to turn the whole thing together and taste for fear that you could poison some part of the food, or you join us to eat it. That was when I knew what a sweet life a free man has. Those in prison were better off than I and my family. I and Basey wept and prayed every night.

I was having a nap one afternoon when my phone rang. The number wasn't stored in my phone, so I hesitated for fear that they might have decided to send me death through Bluetooth or Xender. When the call came the third time, I summoned courage and picked.

"good day madam. Am I on to Mrs. Atang?"

"yes you are, who am I on to?"

"I am doctor Sarah. Your husband was admitted in our hospital few hours ago. Please come to Orlando hospital now to take him home"

"admitted kee? How... What happened doctor?"

"he was in an accident. But he's fine now. Mrs. Atang, don't panic. I decided to call you myself so that we don't create trouble while trying to solve another. Take a deep breath...Your husband is fine. He gave me your phone number and your name. He's on drip now, once that finishes I will discharge him. I just want you to be here so you can take him home"

I thanked the doctor and rushed to the hospital. My head was blank, I couldn't think of anything until I saw my husband. He had few scratches here and there, a swollen eyebag and a punctured nose.

The doctor had stitched his wounds and all she said to me over the phone was true. Basey was not badly injured, he was just freaked out. When he saw me he shook his head and rushed into my arms, dismantling the drip fixed on him. We didn't say a word to each other, all I did was caress his hands and kissed his forehead. We were both thankful that it ended this way.

In few minutes, Basey was free to go. He settled the bills and we were on our way soon enough. I decided that I and Basey drive in the car I came with. While his driver drive the other car. But first, we went to get Basey's stuff from the car only to see a giant brown envelope on the drivers sit. We stared at this envelop for a long time, Basey checked his keys, they were intact.

"what is going on Ima? I drove to this hospital myself, I got out of this car and locked it myself before walking into the hospital. And now, you saw me unlocking it. How did this envelope now get in?" Basey said confused.

I had no answer to Basey's question for I know the only thing worse than this situation we were in was death which we were sure to meet soon if nothing is done about this.

Basey's trembling hand began to move towards the envelope. He glanced at me as sweats broke out from all over his body. He began to shake and quiver.

'Man die go, woman born another' I muttered to myself and picked the envelop up with force. I opened it and what was written there nearly made I and Basey collapse.

'YOUR CAR FAILED BREAK RIGHT? THIS IS WHAT WE CALL, TESTING THE MICROPHONE. NEXT TIME, SOMEONE ELSE MIGHT BE READING THIS LATER MOURNING YOU' that was the content. My whole body shook and I dropped the later.

"did the car fail break Basey?"

My husband nodded quietly. By this time, he couldn't stand at all. His body shook greatly. I led him to my the and drove home.

If not for anything, what happened today has showed us who they are after. But, on a second thought, the car Basey went out with, is mine. So, are they after the owner of the car and mistakenly got my husband or were they after the one who drove the car?. But then, Basey needs to think back in other to enable us solve this puzzle. I took him upstairs and sat him down. He was still trembling. I saw a man whom the Igbos could call 'ODOGWU' melt before me like wax. I put him inbetween my breast like a suckling child and consoled him. When he was calm, I began.

"Basey, I think these people are after you. I and Ini are just victims of circumstances. I want you to think back. From. Your past or present, who do you think could be after your life? Think deep ooo. Both back to your university days, who are those people you offended? Let's make a list of them, find them and start begging them to spare us"

"Enem I'm so sorry. This isn't the life I promised you. But I can't think of anyone that I have offended to warrant him or her seeking my life in revenge"

"Basey don't get me mad. Oga think joor. Did you impregnate someone and abandoned her, did you join cult and killed people? Start talking jaree"

"Ima mi, I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. I lived my life as a youth to the fullest just like every other youth. All I know I did was womanizing. Dropping Cynthia for Chioma and Maryjane for MaryMay. Yes, I joined cult one time like that, but I didn't kill anyone, I only attended their meetings and paid my dues. That's all. Another thing I did was to allow my boss Mr. Edidiong to use me the way he did, thinking he was helping me, not knowing he was feeding me fat for the day of sacrifice"

"ah ah ah ah..." I shouted snapping my fingers. Something just clicked.

"why haven't I thought of this? This must be Mr. Edidiong's hand work. Remember these traits started the very week you were sentenced. Remember how he begged you not to mention his name... He must be the one"

"Ima, I think you're right. He must have sent one of his boys after me. Now that I know where my problem is coming from, I will act"

I was a bit relieved. At least I know where all these threats are coming from. If only we have any evidence to pin this on him. but sadly, we don't.

The next day was Friday. And for the first time in a long while, we woke up to no laters or blood paintings. That day was like a Christmas and I decided we merry. So, I called Rita to come and help me cook and clean and take the day off.

Ini was getting ready to go to the library. I and my hubby decided to have a break from all these anxiety by making a tasty pan of cake that will go down with champagne.

"Ima mi... I apologize for all I've put you through. And I want to thank you for being strong. Most times, stronger than me. I love you today and forever" Basey said holding me sweetly.

"I love you too Basey. When I married you, I made a resolution to face life with you. This too shall pass" I started kissing him.

The door bell rang. It must be Rita. But before we open the door, we must see from the pigeon hole. We confirmed it was Rita and opened the door.

She gave me updates on the shop and proceeded to the kitchen to make pap for us.

Few minutes later she served the pap and as we sat to drink before our main breakfast will be ready, the door bell rang again.

I and Basey gave each other the question gaze. We didn't want Rita to notice what was going on. But, we failed. I carried a kitchen knife and Basey carried a bottle. We sneaked to the door and peeped through the pigeon hole and it was Mr. Francis. We hissed and opened the door.

Rita was confused from the way she was staring at us. I know she had a lot of questions, but can't ask me until we were left alone.

What a pleasant surprise. Since the first time Mr. Francis visited us, he hasn't come to this place again. I'm sure it was Basey's doing. But we were quite surprised to see him. But then, he doesn't know what was happening. We exchanged pleasantries.

"Basey... How are you doing nah.... I rushed down to check on you once I heard what happened" Mr. Francis said

I and Basey looked at each other again in surprise.

"I've been around for almost a month now. But, I couldn't help coming to check on you the minute I heard" he continued.

"heard what?" Basey asked.

"about Mr. Edidiong your boss. I know how much he loved you like a son and what he meant to you... Oh wait ooo. You haven't heard?"

"what happened to my boss... How did he die, when did this happen?"

"he died yesterday ooo they said he fell ill in the prison and before they could get him medical help he died... It's everywhere in the papers nah or are you no longer working for him? Because I'm surprised to be the one telling you this"

I and Basey quietly went into the kitchen. We knew we needed to talk.

"was that why we didn't receive the laters today? Basey, I told you that Edidiong was responsible for all these. Now look at how God fought for us"

"I told you that he wouldn't come out once he goes in. They must have poisoned him"

"who cares? It worked in our favor. Good riddance to bad rubbish. You know your brother doesn't know anything. So, mind how you open our secrets to him. But first, we need to celebrate. Today is our christmas"

We hugged and kiss in celebration. We have plans of how to shut down the town later in the day.

Our troubles has come to an end.

We have finished doing our chores and was getting ready to eat our lavished breakfast. Rita suggested that we put the clothes we were going to wash later in the washing machine.

So I went into Ini's room to get her dirty clothes to wash when I saw that signature envelope, neatly placed on Ini's bed. I quickly called my husband. He rushed in and opened the envelope and the first thing that fell out were Ini's pictures of that day. My heart skipped, tears were already falling down my eyes like the rain from the Skye.

Then Basey brought out the note.

And it read

'SHE DRIVES A BLACK SUV. SCHOOLS IN UNIUYO, DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, SLENDER, VERY FAIR, GAP TOOTHED HAIRY AND WIDE WAIST. WHAT A SWEET SACRIFICE SHE WOULD MAKE'

Anger built inside of me. I picked a pen and began to reply the later. I threatened to kill whoever is behind this. If anything happens to Ini I will kuku destroy this world. I realised I was beginning to go mad. Who would I send this reply to? How do I even send it. I have been frustrated to madness.

Nobody dares me. But then, amidst tears, I bent down my head to pray. Lord, let nothing happen to Ini, I pray thee.

Basey assured me that nothing would happen to our daughter. After consoling me, he took me to the room to rest. As soon as we opened our door we saw our own later dropped on our bed. Both of us fell back, checked our room properly before we proceeded. I angry opened the later and it reads.

'THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH. YOU HAVE SINNED AND I AM HERE TO PAY YOU YOUR WAGES'.

ahhhhh... How did this happen? How did whoever that is doing this, sneak into this house. These laters were not here about 1hr ago. I had gone to Ini's room to remind her to be careful and even went back to check and lock her room as was our custom these days. When I went to pick the clothes, the room was still locked and I opened it myself. So how is it even possible that these laters are getting in without any soul noticing when or how?

I won't take this lying down, especially now that they have included Ini. For my daughter I will swim the deepest ocean.

I went straight to the gate and my security men were vigilant. I saw for myself that no one could pass that gate unnoticed. Unless it's someone they intentionally let it... My mind ran to my sitting room. Rita and Mr. Francis were sitting there.

I turned with full speed to go back into the mansion when I was caught up half way by Basey.

"Ima mi I'm scared. Our entire house smells of human blood and of death. Even if it's Mr. Edidiong and his toys, how did they get access to our inside like this. Plus I just confirmed that he's truly dead. Looks like we are celebrating so soon and who we've been pointing at isn't the culprit. Someone inside must be an accomplice or informant. They know where we are at everytime, they know what we eat imagine having Ini's pictures meaning her life isn't safe any longer"

Everyone right now is a suspect.

"Mr. Francis your brother. He hasn't been coming to this house for years now, only to show up this morning and this. I'm sure he's here to check if u died in that accident"

Basey thought for a while.

"you have a point. Remember he said he's been in town for almost a month and he's only coming to see me now. Two things can make a man go to any length. Money and woman. I'm guessing he fell in love with you and he's hurt everyday knowing you're with me instead. Secondly, you know he might still be angry with me that our father left me the greater share of his properties. Why haven't I thought of this sly"

He rushed out but my word stopped him

"it could even be Rita" I said.

"Rita?"

"yes Ima. All these things happened when Rita came back into our lives. Try to remember now"

"I do Ima, but Rita has no reason to want us dead"

"you never can tell. What about jealousy that God choose to bless a w***e like me abundantly and she, the spirikoko sister is living at my mercy. Is that reason not enough?"

"Ima you have a point. And how can it be a coincidence that bro Francis and Rita came here together today?"

"haaa so this people have been fooling us all these while under our nose"

I matched to the living room where Mr. Francis and Rita were Gisting and laughing out loud.

"Rita, did you meet Ini today?"

"yes, while I was coming in"

"can you recall what clothe she was wearing?"

She thought for a while.

"yes, I think a pink blouse and a black leggings"

Jesus! I was shocked. Finally I have caught the traitor. She must have taken those pictures of Ini. Because if not, how will she still remember everything my daughter wore. You see people eeehhhnn...? They are wicked.

"Rita, what is it that I have that you want so much? Point it and I will gladly give it to you now!"

I said, tears building up

Rita looked shocked but I knew she was acting.

"do you want my life? My money? My house? Shops or cars, tell me which one and I will gladly give it to you. You snitch. Where did I do you wrong? Is it by accepting you wholeheartedly into my home or given you work and paying you well? Or by given you money to rent a place and send your kids to school. What did I do wrong to you Rita"

"Enem, I don't understand ooo. What's going on here?"

"shut up, shut it before I pounce on you now. You know what you're doing. Ohhh... We got all your laters. I know you're angry, that God, instead of blessing you for all your outstanding services in church choose me, a slut to bless and place you under me. But that is God for you. Your secret is out in the open. Rita, you of all people? How could I not have known. All the time you cared and slept over with me when Basey was aware was to confuse me and master my house so that you can plant your evil fear in us.?"

"I swear, I don't understand what is going on Enem. What are you talking about Mr. Francis, what's going on?" Rita said, almost in tears.

"I don't mean to in... " Mr. Francis said.

"hold it there before I kill you with my bare hands. Did you think we wouldn't know that both of you work together. If you're just meeting today like you claim, why are you too suddenly Gisting and laughing like old friends? You came to see for yourself what you've reduced us to Abby? Francis you're wicked. So because of my wife you want to kill me? Or is it because of papa's money?"

Mr. Francis and Rita were now looking at each other in shock. But I knew they were acting. I called the police and they came.

I ordered my gate man to lock the gate and the police arrested them. Rita was crying and begging while they whisked her away. I am a h****n. I have achieved a great fit by setting my family free from these traitors. Good riddance to bad rubbish.

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