THE PROTECTED CRIMINALS

EPISODE 17

” Something I don't know” He said looking up to the old white ceiling, ” We have to be there” he said again after some time. ” Where?” I asked. ” The port, we must find out what they are shipping” he said to me. ” You aren’t looking fit” I said not willing to go ahead with his mission. ” Am not forcing you to come Daniela, I can go in my own but don't tell anyone about my whereabout. Some how, those people are kind of connected to the numerous deaths in Heartrow” he shouted. ” I didn’t say am not joining you, stop barking ” I shouted back facing him. ” I don't need you anyways” he said again, ” Maybe next time you will get a bullet to your head” I fired angrily at him. “It will be my pleasure ” he said and lied on the bed facing the ceiling. ” Am sorry” I murmured unwillingly to him after some moment of silence but he didn’t reply. ” Richard” I called but he didn’t still answer. ” For Christ sake, I said am sorry” I shouted angrily, ” You better don't give yourself hypertension ” He said but didn’t still look up. ” Am I forgiven?” I asked him ” Are you coming with me?” He also asked. ” Of course, I will come with you” I said smiling. ” Then you are forgiven” he replied as he got up from the bed. ” Let’s go have fun” he said looking out through the window, ” What sort of fun?” I asked him, ” Like a night ride” He answered while I smiled. ” Let’s go” I said throwing the key of his bike to him, just then the old nurse entered. ” Are you both going out?” She asked smiling to reveal her scattered teeth, not white at all. ” Yes ma, for a ride” I replied. ” My son, come back quick, I still need to do something on the hand ” She said. ” okay ma ” Richard said as the old woman walked out. I hope you can drive?” I asked him, ” Watch and see ” he said bouncing out. Ten minutes later, we both could be seen cruising the street of Downhill on his bike, loud music from different clubs and bars made the night.

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TONIA'S POV:

With smiles and happiness of the morning, I went to the stream, I have been relieved when John told me Richard hadn’t written the letter, I swayed and smiled happily as I went to the stream early that cold morning, I do go very early before other village maidens so as not to be involved in gossips. The village girls are good gossipers, they can involve you in useless talk and waste your time. ” Tonia” I heard John called from behind, he was going to his farm as usual, he had a how hanged on his shoulder and a cutlass on his hand. ” John, good morning” I greeted. ” You are so hardworking, you mean you have come to fetch water this morning?” He asked smiling. ” Yes” I replied. ” Hmm, let me take Richard place, let me escort you to the stream” he said. ” No, don't bother..” He interrupted. ” I want to escort you to the stream, that isn’t something big is it?” He asked smiling, I had no option than to give in. ” Don’t worry, you are meant for Richard and am not taking his place” John said smiling. ” I just miss him so much” I told him. ” When he was here you could not tell him you love him and you are missing him now John said laughing. ” The boy is meant to tell the girl not otherwise” I said calmly. ” Another postulate by Alfred Marshal” he said laughing . ” Who is Alfred Marshal?” I asked. ” An economist” he said. ” Stop there!!” A voice shouted from behind, we both turned and it was Joshua, I felt pity for John immediately. “Your dog has come” John said to me smiling, ” Won’t you run?” I asked pushing him away. ” Run? I hate that sport” he said again smiling. ” What kind of i***t are you?” I asked as I saw Joshua drawing closer. ” Joshua with the way you follow Tonia these days, I think it will be better calling you Joshua the dog rather than the lion” John said smiling, I was sure he didn’t know who he was standing with. “John, is that for me?” Joshua asked angrily as he pushed John to the ground. John stood up slowly, he was still smiling. ” Joshua the lion is really perfect, Tonia what do you think?” John asked holding my hands, I was now shaking incredibly. ” What sort of full-grown man of Heartrow pursues a lady day and night rather than go to the farm?” John asked still smiling, he was always smiling. ” John!!” Joshua screamed and punched John over his face, the punch sent John to the ground, this time John didn’t get up slowly, he sprang up with his both legs and stared at Joshua smiling. Joshua tried bringing another punch but John caught his hand in the air, then like thunderstorm, John released a hot slap to Joshua’s fat cheeks. The stream became still, the trees stopped rustling, the birds of the trees flew away as Joshua fell to the ground heavily with his both eyes closed, Just a slap. ” He is dead” I said turning to John who was just smiling.