Mega Dragon: Harbinger of Death

BONUS STORY 1 (3)

Alice finished rather later than she thought she would. It was a very strenuous job. She was thankful for Goodness in her life. And even if she didn’t want to admit it, meeting Isaac was a blessing that day. The woman that asked for her help did not pay her all the money they agreed on she was pissed. It seemed like the woman just hired her to take advantage of her but that was not an issue she was ready to deal with now. She just hoped the children were fine especially Ujiro. She got down from the cab and walked down the road leading to the little apartment her family lived in.

A few thoughts crossed her mind. They were mostly about Isaac. She wasn’t thinking of being with someone at the time. She had had enough of that already. The fact that someone still found her attractive excited her. And a well-to-do man at that. And an attractive one too. She had done well to hide her blushes then, but now that she was alone, she couldn’t help but giggle. Goodness might have noticed too. That was probably the reason she kept pushing her. But that was by the way. She came home in a brilliant mood. Tired, but vibrant as well. And nothing was going to spoil it. How wrong she was.

“Ajiri!" she called as she approached the door. Sometimes she felt like she overworked him but it was a cross she had to bear as the eldest. "Ajiri!”

“Welcome mummy,” Zino ran to help her mom with her bags. “How was your day?” she asked. She had mixed expressions on. Almost like she was anxious. Alice was a little worried.

"It was fine, thank you, my daughter, how is your sister's health?" she asked entering the house.

“She’s fine, she is sleeping in the room,” Zino said. This time, with a little more anxiety than before.

"Hope she ate and used his d**g in the afternoon," she asked settling into the couch. Hopefully, it was nothing.

“She ate a little but I was not sure of the number of drugs Ajiri asked me to give him so she has not used his d**g yet.”

“Where is Ajiri?” Alice asked shocked that she didn’t give him his medication himself. Could that have been the reason Zino was that conscious? Was Ajiri not home? After she told him not to leave?

“I don’t know, he just said he was going out,” Zino replied. she fidgeted with her fingers hesitantly.

“After I told her not to?” Alice was fuming. “Why does he not think like this?”

Alice went into the room they all shared to give Ujiro her medication. “Get me some water, Zino, and get me my bags, I brought some food back." Zino left to get the things her mom requested. And it was clear the reason for her anxiety.

“Here they are.”

“Thank you drop them on the floor,” Zino dropped the things and left the room. She knew her mom was angry and did not want to bear the brunt of her anger. Alice gently woke Ujiro up made her eat some food and take his medication. She heard the door of the house open.

Ajiri entered the house. He saw his mom’s belongings and was scared. He went towards the room using the curtain-like it was a shield to protect him from his mother’s anger.

"Welcome, ma,” he greeted from the door. Alice ate her food trying to curtail her anger.

“And where are you coming from?” Alice asked. Ajiri remained silent. He had hoped he would get home before his mother but after athletics practice, his friends all went to hang out and he followed them and lost track of time.

“Am I not talking to you?” Alice yelled as Ajiri stood at the door in silence. That was the only thing saving him from his mother’s wrath at the moment.

“We… we… we had… practice,” Ajiri stuttered. He knew he was in trouble.

“What did I tell you this morning before I left the house? Now you left the house since morning. What does the time say?” Alice asked.

“No… I didn’t leave in the morning.” Ajiri was trying to find his way out of trouble. But it was a little too late for that.

"Will you shut up?" Alice screamed as she rose to her feet. "Your sister was supposed to use her medication by 2 pm and you were not around. Which means you left the house before then. The time is 6 pm now. Even if you went for practice which I told you not to. Was it practice you were doing till this time? Don't you even care about your sister's life?"

“I told Zino to…” he had barely completed her sentence when Alice slapped her cheeks.

"You will not kill me, you this boy. I did not kill my mother and you will not kill me too!" she kept lamenting as she beat Ajiri. “Get out!” Alice yelled after she beat Ajiri.

Ajiri scrambled to his feet as he left the room. Alice placed her face in her palm and started weeping. She didn’t want to beat any of her children but they sometimes got on her nerve. “Why did you leave me alone to do this, Tega?” She looked up to the sky asking her late husband as she sobbed. It was on days like this, she missed her late husband even more. But nothing is going to bring him back. She knew that already. She was going to do everything in her power to make sure her children didn’t feel his absence like she did. But maybe it was impossible. Because, the same way they couldn’t see her pain, she might be oblivious to theirs. And the track might have been Ajiri’s solace. Where he felt freest. And she was shackling him down again. but for the last time. For she was going to be nothing to him other than his solace.

***

It was a year after Ajiri graduated from secondary school. Alice did not have enough money for his university so Ajiri had to wait a year after school. That way, Alice could save some money for his tuition fees. He was hoping to get into a federal university. At least their costs are lower than the state and private universities. Ajiri had a good score in his Jamb and his WAEC results were good as well. But he had to wait. He spent most of his time with Alice in the market and his spare time training. The last thing he wanted was to be out of form if a competition came up. But that day was a Sunday and they had just come back from work. There was a knock on their door and Ajiri went to get it.

“Who’s there?” he asked.

“I have a package for one Ajiri Umukoro,” he said.

Ajiri opened the door to see a delivery man. He gave him the package he brought and he signed. It was a letter from one of the universities he had applied to. “Mummy, mummy, mummy!” he exclaimed as he tore open the letter. He screamed in excitement as he read its contents. He had been offered a provisional admission on a sports scholarship in a university in Great Britain to study Computer Engineering.

Alice raced to see what had caused her son to react in such a manner. As she saw the pieces of paper lying on the ground, she had a fair idea of what was happening. “From where my son?” she asked. She was just seconds away from dancing her heart out. When things were different, Alice was always one to dance at every good news. It had been a while since she had done so, but given the circumstances, there was no better way to express her joy.

“Mummy, I got a scholarship to study Computer Engineering in the UK. A sports scholarship, mummy!” His joy was uncontainable. His two siblings ran into his embrace as they heard the news.

“We have to tell my friends. We will---”

“Mum, let’s wait till everything is settled. I still have to write IELTS and it is very expensive. I still need to get a passport, my Visa. There are so many things that I don’t have at the moment. And they will cost money.” The joy in Ajiri’s face was slowly fading.

“What is that? My dear, we will not lose this opportunity that God has given us. I have been saving money and if it is not enough, I will borrow. These things don’t come every day my dear. We have to snatch it now.” Ajiri had a glint of sadness in her eyes. He had received the best news possible, but he couldn’t even be happy about it. The number of obstacles they had to cross was even more than what he needed to enter a university here in Nigeria. Alice pulled him towards herself. She held him ever so tightly. “Don’t worry my dear. God will see us through. Just do what you need to do and leave the rest. I will raise the money for whatever you need, alright?” Ajiri nodded to his mother’s words. The tears that flowed from his eyes were a mix of joy and sadness. He made a prayer in his heart. Her lips were heavy and for the first time since his father died, Ajiri broke down into tears.

***

Alice worked twice as hard as she normally would. She wanted to only borrow as little as possible. She wasn’t the type to owe people. She never fancied it. She opened earlier than normal and closed later. Her market has as buzzing as ever. Ajiri prepared for his IELTS exams while also juggling between helping her mum and her athletics training.

She received an unexpected visit that day. It was the man who she met at the party about a year ago; Isaac. It took a while before Alice could recognize him. It had been quite some time since she saw sim. He wore a smart suit and looked very elegant. “Good morning, Alice,” he said respectfully.

“This is quite a surprise. What are you doing here?” she asked.

“To see you of course. I had to travel for business and I just came back not long. I have not been around for a long time now otherwise I would have come to visit you. I was in the area so I thought I would come and offer my regards,” he said.

Alice’s smile dimmed a bit. Somehow, he reminded her of Tega. It still hurt to think about him. But here Isaac was. Another chance at happiness maybe. She had thought he’d forgotten about her. She never once dared to call. But here he was, right in front of her.

“Goodness mentioned something to me that day. I think I might be able to help you,” he said as he made to sit. Alice’s customers at this time were reduced so she made her way out while also gesturing to Isaac to follow her.

“What could that be?” she asked. Her curiosity has reached its peak.

“I heard you are a widow. I also heard that your husband left a will. And that you’ve had issues claiming it?” he said.

Alice bit her lip. Goodness was such a talkative. Did she have to say that much? “Well yes. Sadly, the one in charge of the will is one of my husband’s brothers. And they were all in on kicking me out. Who would defend my claim to the will? No one else. Besides, we don’t even have money to spare to get a lawyer. Especially when the chances are this slim.”

“But I think it is still too early to give up. As you might know, I am a lawyer. I want to help you, Alice.”

Alice smiled gently. “I appreciate the gesture, but I won’t be able to pay you. I have something even more pressing on my hands at the moment. All my money is going towards it.”

“Alice, you need not worry about such. I want to do you this favor. Besides, if you get the money from the will, I am sure it will be a big help for what it is that you are saving for.” Alice was moved. It had been a while since someone had offered her help without her seeking it. he was interested in her. That was the only reason he was doing it. But she was grateful nonetheless. “I’ll just ask you some questions then we can decide what our approach will be. I’ll leave you to your market and we can schedule to talk more later.”

“Thank you very much.”

“You are welcome. Have a nice day.”

“You as well.”

***

Alice had long given up on the will her husband left. It was even safe to say that she had long forgotten. But Isaac had given her hopes life once more. There was a knock on her door. She knew it would be him. Zino was the one who went to get the door. It was Isaac.

“It’s so nice to see you again,” Isaac said.

Alice welcomed him in before she offered him food. After eating, they began to discuss. “I want to presume that you were your husband’s next of kin?” Isaac asked.

“Yes, I was.”

“Well, we can file a lawsuit to the High court. All wills are kept there under the Probate Registry. It might be a tussle, considering how long his death has been and the complete unwillingness on the part of his family, but I am positive that you will get your due right,” he said. Alice felt a tingle in her belly. It was a hassle if she could get the money for Ajiri’s travel expenses. The opportunity to travel abroad was one that she couldn’t pass up.

“I intend to sell the house. I’m okay where I am and I could really use the money,” Alice admitted.

“That is if your husband willed it to you. What’s the pressing need though?” Isaac said.

“You see, Ajiri got a sports scholarship to study in the UK. But there are a lot of things that we need to sort out and they cost a lot of money.”

“Wow, that’s so great to hear. Congratulations. I especially hope it all works out well. You truly deserve some peace, Alice.”

***

Isaac went with Alice to file a lawsuit for her husband’s will at the Magistrate High Court. He also covered the little expenses that were incurred in the process. After some time, a hearing was scheduled for the hearing of the will. Alice’s in-laws were especially bitter. They were aware that if they were to go for the hearing, they were sure to give up all they had looted to Alice and her kids. But Alice was bent on getting it back from them.

***

It was a week to the hearing. Alice came back from the market with Zino. She had gone with Zino that day, leaving Ajiri with his little sister, Ujiro. From the doorstep, Alice felt a chill run down her spine. She was uneasy and she couldn’t tell why. “Ajiri, come and open the door! Ajiri! Ajiri!” Alice beckoned on her son as she got to her door, but there was no response. She pushed lightly on the door only to find it open. “Why did this boy leave the door open? I hope he didn’t go out and leave his sister alone at home. I won’t take it from him even if it’s for his training.” Alice was fuming. She walked briskly to her son’s room to meet her fast his sleep. “Ajiri wake up! Ajiri!” she beckoned but met no response from her son. At this point, she was a little worried. The anger that had doused her started to fade away slowly. She shook Ajiri gently but he didn’t respond. Slowly, Alice’s attempt to wake her son up switched from gentle to violent.

After a few seconds of Alice violently shaking her son, he finally woke up. He stood up drearily with his hand over his head. He seemed to be having a headache. “Ajiri, where is your sister? And why did you leave the door open? Don’t you know it’s not safe?” Alice asked. Zino was yet to find Ujiro.

Ajiri was petrified as a rush of memories filled his head. Tears trickled from his eyes. Alice was genuinely concerned. What had come over him? “They took her. Ujiro. They took her!” Ajiri barely said through his teeth. He was visibly shaking. Alice fell to the ground. She tried to keep her calm but it was proving difficult.

“They took your sister?”

“Someone was at the door. I thought it might be you and Zino. When I went to get it, the person covered my nose with a handkerchief… Ujiro… before I lost consciousness, I saw them take her,” Ajiri said through her tears.

“Who!!!” Alice exclaimed. At this point, her neighbors started to gather around.

“I don’t know. I didn’t see her face.” Ajiri broke into more tears.

One of their neighbors, Mr. Peter walked in. “Mama Ajiri, what is the matter?” he asked.

“They have taken my daughter o! My Ujiro! They have taken her!”

“Who took her?”

Alice was highly irritated by his question. The scorn on her face was very visible from her frown. “What do you mean who? Where were you all? How could they have taken my daughter to this compound! You people are planning against me abi? It will not work!”

“Mama Ajiri, please calm down.”

“My daughter. Give me back my daughter.”

A few other of her neighbors walked in. “What is the matter?” one of them asked.

“Her daughter has been kidn*pped,” Mr. Peter said.

“Ah!” they all exclaimed. “In this compound!!!”

Alice was inconsolable. Every attempt to calm her down proved futile. Finally, a call came in. Alice was reluctant to take it, especially since she didn’t know who it was. But the thought that it could be news about her daughter made her change her mind. “Hello,” she said between sobs.

“Mrs. Umukoro, we have your daughter---” a hoarse voice said but Alice didn’t let him finish.

“My daughter! Where is she!”

“It would be in your best interest to let me finish. We have your daughter. And we demand ten million naira as ransom. If you speak to the police, you can forget about ever seeing your son again. You have three days to get us the money.”

“Ah! Three days! Where will I see that amount of money!”

“You have three days to figure it out,” he said before finally hanging up the call. Alice fell into a greater depression. Her wailing intensified and it didn’t look like it was coming down any time soon. She prayed fervently as loud as she could. Why was all this happening to her? Why couldn’t she be happy? What did she do to deserve this?

Isaac walked in on the commotion. He was perplexed and at the same time very worried. “What’s going on?”

***

Isaac was briefed on what had happened. He was very devastated. He knelt down to speak to Alice. “We have to tell the police,” he said.

Alice nodded violently in disagreement. “They said I wouldn’t see him again if I did. No police please,” Alice pleaded.

“No problem. No police. Can I see the number that called you though?” he asked. Alice showed him her phone. “How much did they ask for?”

“Ten million.”

Isaac’s eyes narrowed. He had his suspicions on who could be responsible. Alice wasn’t a wealthy woman and neither was she famous. She also wasn’t a threat to most people. The only people he could think of were her husband’s family. It was probably a way to get her off their case or extort money from her if she wins. But it looked too much like a goose chase. There was no way she could get that money. And he wouldn’t even advise it. There was no guarantee that they would let the boy go. But their hands were tied.

“Can you call them for me? I have an idea,” Isaac said. Alice obliged.

“Have you gotten the money yet?” the kidnapper said.

“Yes, I have,” Isaac said.

“Who is this? I told her no police. Does she want to lose her girl forever?” the kidnapper said. He was starting to sound uneasy.

“Calm down. I’m a friend of hers. I’m sure you know that there was no way she would have gotten the money herself. I would like to do the exchange if you don’t mind.”

“No, the woman only. No one else.”

“Then it would seem to me that you do not want your money.”

“You are absolutely in no position to make demands.”

Isaac was silent for a while. “Think about it and get back to me. I’ll wait,” Isaac said before hanging up the call.

“What did they say?” Alice asked. She was more eager to hear what he had to say.

“Nothing positive. But they will get back to me. I’m sure of it. Just trust me on this,” Isaac said. In a few seconds, Alice’s phone rang again. Isaac picked the call. “Have you decided now?” Isaac asked.

“We have a deal. But come alone. No witnesses, no police, or we will shoot the girl right in front of you. Is that clear?” the kidnapper asked. His voice was even hoarser. It was clear that he was trying to frighten Isaac.

“Yes, I understand,” he said.

“Good. I’ll text you the place and time. Don’t be late.”

Isaac held Alice’s hands in his. He tried his best to assure her. “We will get your daughter back. Don’t worry about it.”

He made a call after leaving the house. Later at night, he came back to Alice’s house. From there, he made his way to the meet-up point. He drove all the way there alone. He was tense alright, but he had everything covered. It didn’t take long for him to get there. It was a deserted open area. It was almost impossible for anyone to hide for over a mile out. In front of him were some men in masks. Ujiro, however, was nowhere in sight. Isaac came down from his car. He walked slowly towards them. The last thing he wanted for them to been guard. He needed to be cautious.

“I hope you are not planning anything funny. I have my boys around,” one of the men said.

“I just want the girl. Your money is in the boot. Where is she?” Isaac asked. The kidnapper gestured to one of his men to fetch her. After a minute or so, Ujiro was brought out. Isaac could see her frightened face. He went to his car to fetch the money from the trunk. He walked slowly towards them and so did they with Ujiro. The exchange went smoothly. The money was checked and even though they couldn’t confirm that it was exactly ten million, they had no doubt that the money was there.

“If we find out this money is short; it won’t be funny. Remember that we know where they live.”

“The money is complete. You have no need to worry.”

Isaac walked Ujiro to the car and without a second’s wait, they were off.

***

Earlier that morning, Isaac had visited his friend who happened to be a police officer. He explained the situation to him and explained how delicate the situation was. They later agreed to put a tracking device in the money that was used to ransom Ujiro so that both the money and the kidnappers could be found. It didn’t take long the next day for them to be caught. Apparently, they were sent by members of Alice’s husband’s family. What their main aim was, was never really revealed, but Alice couldn’t care less. She was relieved to have her son back with her and the perpetrators caught.

The day of the hearing came. Seeing as most of the members of her husband’s family were in prison, only a handful was present. Tega had left them quite a lot. He had left about five million for them but the family had successfully spent it all. The court had charged them to return the money. His car and house were also for his wife and children. The rest of his properties; which were a minority, were then allocated to a few of his family members. They were very discontent with the will. There was a lot of hurling of insults and abuses from them, but that was about the best they could do. Alice sold the house like she planned and finally, she had enough money to cater for Ajiri’s expenses. She couldn’t thank Isaac enough. He had really been a big help to her. A blessing she was grateful to have.

***

A few months later, Ajiri traveled to the UK. She had excelled in her IELTS and gotten the required documents. It was hard to part ways with her siblings, but she was also excited about the future that awaited her. Alice’s business continued to bloom and in time, she opened a restaurant. She had come a long way from the widow who had nothing. Her past was nothing more than a shadow. A shadow of a widow, who had raised three amazing and successful children. Her relationship with Isaac flourished even more so. You might be wondering if they ended up together. Well, I’m sure you can figure that out.