CHAPTER 3:THE PREPOSITION
1036 Words
For a split second, my heart stopped. Time slowed down. Everything else moved in slow motion.
I had no idea then. But that call was the beginning of my end. My entry into a life of hell and pain I never thought could possibly exist.
That call would destroy me. My family. Completely 360 my life upside down. And I would become a former ghost of myself that I can't remember.
The wisest course of action was to end the call that instant. Get back to sleep. Work hard hoping something pans out.
I should have changed my number. And disappeared. Everything in me was screaming for me to slow down my horses.
But sadly, I was too broke and too desperate to see the trap. Or listen to my instincts screaming at me.
"Mr. Asante?" My voice started to break and act up. "The Kwame Asante?"
He burst out laughing like a crazy maniac who just heard a sick joke. It seemed pure, innocent, and harmless. Chances are 80% of people's hearts would have calmed down. Including mine.
"Yep. The one and only Kwame Asante. I had my eye on you, kid. You're reliable. Smart. And you know well to not go around asking questions you shouldn't be asking. You focus on your job and do what's right."
I had no words at that moment. My lips and throat dried up instantly. My palms got super greasy and sweaty. My body started to overheat from a stressful work day.
I was standing in a small apartment that would probably be his dog house. I had to look around me to see if it was all a dream.
"I'm in need of reliable, loyal people like you. I like you a lot, lad. I'll make you head of security. Protect my family, my business, and my reputation. 100k cedis per month. Are you interested?"
I was desperate. So even if I wasn't interested, I'd force myself. 100k cedis in a month. This is a life changing offer.
I said yes before he could say he'd give me time to think about it.
"She gave me a chance I never expected or asked for. I gave her my life. She called it love. I called it loyalty. She meant it as a transaction."
Der Unerschütterliche, The Unshakable Playbook
His office was the biggest I'd ever seen up close. 50 times bigger than my entire apartment. Mahogany desk. Leather chairs. Splendid view of the whole city.
I felt out of place. Like an ant. Like I dirtied this place with my filth and brokenness.
Kwame Asante looked at me as if accessing a risky deal that could either be a winner or a loser. Studying me. Scanning me. Deciding how much investment I'm worth.
"Okay Kofi, you can't mess this up. This is your life changing, God sent opportunity." Guess God knew nothing of him.
"Please sir, I'm a nobody. How did you know of me?"
"Wow, you're smarter than you look. Actually, you came recommended. My daughter mentioned you. Said you were reliable."
My face did a flash thing full of confusion.
Amina mentioned me? Even got my number somehow. I guess this is her way of thanking me.
"She said you were a gentleman. You saved her from a drunk imposing man. You did it without it being part of your job. You helped a girl in her dire situation. I appreciate that, kid."
I remembered every single detail. But I didn't think much of it. I never expected anything good. I thought that would be the last time I'd hear from her.
"So Kofi. You got my undivided attention. Tell me about yourself," he said, leaning back in his chair.
I paused and froze. What the heck was I supposed to say? I'm a nobody. 4/10 ugly duckling? Living in an apartment with cracked walls as if I'm a crack addict who sold his life away?
"Nothing impressive. I just work hard. I don't give up. And I'm loyal to those loyal to me."
He nodded twice and smirked. "That's what I need. Someone who defies the odds no matter how hard it is against them. Chooses to never give up. Someone who protects family no matter the cost."
He paused.
"Can you do that for me, Kofi? Can I count on you?"
"Yes. I can do that for you. If given the chance, I do whatever it takes."
He smirked again. "Good. That's excellent. Just what I wanted to hear."
"I wanted to belong so badly. I didn't see that I was already being used. I didn't see the trap closing in on me."
Der Unerschütterliche, The Unshakable Playbook
I took the job happily.
He didn't lie about 100,000 per month. Everything did 360 in my life. Quality food. Comfortable sleep without worrying about bed bugs. For the first time in years, I felt hope.
I worked hard day and night. Learned everything I needed to learn. Mental note of their enemies, routines, secrets.
I became the invisible one who steps in at the worst time. Enemies' plans would fall 'cause they didn't plan for a loss variable called me.
I believed they respected me. Saw me as one of them.
For once, I just wanted to feel important. Be appreciated. Feel like I matter.
The first month was the hardest.
Constant predatory eyes from the guards up to the family except the father and son. Them betting when I'd break or fail.
I'd failed a lot in life with circumstances against me. I told myself I won't fail anymore.
'Cause I wanted to prove something to myself.
I wanted to prove I could be more than just a random 4/10. Become someone better.
I was completely wrong about belonging.
But right about rising. Since it was a challenge to myself.
I didn't know it then.
But that hope would be my undoing.
That belief in belonging would destroy me.
And the family I was so desperate to please?
They were already planning my fall.
"I wanted to belong so badly. I didn't see that I was already being used. I didn't see the trap closing in on me."
Der Unerschütterliche, The Unshakable Playbook
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