THE KING'S PEN

As the sun slowly settled on the streets of Lagos, vehicles were already zooming to their respective destinations, hawkers on the streets, children walking to school, pedestrians minding on their business and for me, I inched on home to my mother. My heart was still heavy towards her, even when I knew I was already an overnight billionaire.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

TALES OF JOHN (EPISODE 5)

by Unknown on 05:26

As the sun slowly settled on the streets of Lagos, vehicles were already zooming to their respective destinations, hawkers on the stree...

The old saying was experimented, and certainly cleared the air off all doubt. His teeth was truly sharper than knife. Sanmi severed the rope and now, the General’s hands gained liberty. He quickly reached for Sanmi’s bundled hands and set them loosed too. Now, they were ready for action. What was the plan?

“Sir, these people aren't as strong as you think they are. Without the guns in their hands, they are nothing. Absolutely powerless.” Sanmi muttered to the General, who stood at akimbo.

He nodded in affirmation, enjoying every detail.

“The idea now is to get those two...” Sanmi pointed to the door. “...inside here and get their guns. And if possible send them quietly on an errand to hell.”

The General chuckled and covered his mouth almost immediately. “You are very smart. Very very smart and brave.” He patted Sanmi by the shoulder. “So how are we going to get them in and how do we know their plans as they come in?”

“Sir, it’s very simple. We will divide their attention, and by so doing we would take them one on one.”

“I still don’t get that. Explain.”

“Ok sir. You will take a seat here with your hands behind, pretending like they are tied.” Sanmi and the General moved to an edge in the room. “And I will sit over there, then I would raise an alarm, which I’m sure they will hearken to.”

The General propped his back against the wall, folded his arms and revealed a smile.

“As soon as they come in, you will distract the other guy by doing anything that will catch his attention.”

“Anything like what?”

“Just anything to get the other fool’s attention.”

“Ok.”

“Yes sir.”

He seemed bathed in fear as he looked more like a scared gazelle. The General reluctantly glued his behind on the ground, staring at Sanmi who walked gallantly to another edge of the hut to sit. The squeaky sound from the door caught their gazes. Someone was at the door, about to come in. This troubled the General, afraid that things may turn out negative and may even launch them to their early grave.

The door opened. Gazes clash. The rebel walked in with his gun in his hands, finger on trigger. He inched towards Sanmi who sat innocent like an hungry beggar, but his attention was immediately seized as the General gave a loud cough.

“General is cough why?” The Rebel let out his unrefined English.

He coughed again and again, and the other rebel rushed in to intervene. The rebel that appeared walked to the General and noticed the blue piece of ropes on the ground. He walked to the spot where the ropes laid, squatted to examine the fact behind what crept into his mulish mind.

“Ali, what’s that?” The rebel, the one before Sanmi, asked in their native language.

To answer his question, the squatting rebel raised the ropes in the air for him to see. Sanmi squeezed his face to a frown, looked at the rope and then sent his focus to the General. While his heart throbbed, the General squinted at Sanmi, then nodded discreetly to signal a quick attack on the rebels.

The position of the captives’ hands, stuck behind their back, clouded their minds with doubts. And before they could realize they weren't bound, Sanmi and the General pounced on them like a dog on a piece meat. Sanmi picked on the first, yanking off his rifle from him, and adding jabs to his face. The General had a tough one with the other. The rebel was quite too resilient for him to handle. The General seemed to have lost the fight, so he employed the only weapon he could handle perfectly well, his teeth. He drilled them into his neck. The rebel cried aloud, and like a flash, he lifted the General and slammed his back to the ground. His breathing ceased. Now, it was over for him, he thought as the rebel reached for his gun on the floor and pointed it at him. The scene caught Sanmi’s attention. And with force, rushing toward the rebel who was about to pull the trigger, he swung the butt of the rifle to his head.

Thud! The rebel dropped to the ground.

Sanmi pulled the General up to his feet. “Sir, we have to get out of here now!”

“Okay okay.” The General affirmed, then they scuttled to the door.

Pow! Sanmi dropped to the ground.

****************************************

He wished nobody saw him. The case would have been a different one if another person, not Captain Dogo’s wife, saw him. Captain Dogo’s wife was one hell of a person that broadcast the whole event, both the fact and fallacy, of the officer’s quarters in the barracks. Dede prayed in his heart, and with a fake smile on his face, he walked to meet her.

“Good morning ma.”

“Ahn ahn, Dede are you coming from this morning?” She smiled.

“I went to buy something in town.” He walked along side her, walking to the barrack.

“Was that not your madam’s friend that dropped you off?”

“Make I help you carry the nylon.” Dede reached for the nylon Captain Dogo’s wife held, just to douse the nosy question.

She sent the nylon to her right hand, away from Dede’s reach. “Leave it and answer me first. Was that not your madam’s friend?”

“Yes.”

“So how come she...”

Dede interjected. “My oga madam send me and I dey rush. Make I hurry go now.” Dede ran through the barracks gate, leaving Captain Dogo’s wife meters away.

Now he could see the house from afar. He mumbled a little prayer to God that Salewa should still be in bed. And almost immediately his phone rang. That almost popped out his heart, until he brought it out of his pocket and realized it was his mother.

ON THE RUN (EPISODE 19)

by Unknown on 03:24

The old saying was experimented, and certainly cleared the air off all doubt. His teeth was truly sharper than knife. Sanmi sev...

Police! At the mention of Jesus, every knee shall bow. And at the mention of police, every thief shall run. Should I run? No, why should I? Am I a thief? Oh, yes I’m at the time. A thief without a gun. I need no preacher to tell me to run for my dear life. Because I’m aware that once you are caught by the police, you must solve all their problems, including the school fees of their children.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

TALES OF JOHN (EPISODE 4)

by Unknown on 08:46

Police! At the mention of Jesus, every knee shall bow. And at the mention of police, every thief shall run. Should I run? No, why shoul...

Then, I needed no prophet to tell me I was in danger. I stood to my feet to run when I heard him cock his gun. I paused, fell to my knees and pleaded for mercy. Even as he walked closer, I still couldn't see his face. He jerked me by my neck and pulled me up.

“Wetin you dey do for here?” He roared.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

TALES OF JOHN (EPISODE 3)

by Unknown on 06:04

Then, I needed no prophet to tell me I was in danger. I stood to my feet to run when I heard him cock his gun. I paused, fell to my kne...

The owner of the house had returned. There was no way Dede could get the bag of money out of the house. He looked around for any opening, big enough, to shove the bag through.

The knock hit the door again.

This time, Dede packed the whole cloths on the bed and dumped them back in the bag. He dropped the bags in the wardrobe, closed its door and forged on to open the door.

“Hey, why did you bolt my door?” Ireti demanded immediately she entered.

He pointed his finger to the bedroom and couldn't say a word, as he had no answer to her question.

“What happened? Why are you pointing? Anyone inside with you?” Ireti grew curious, shuffling her gaze between his guilty face and the path to her bedroom.

Dede inched behind her. “Nobody is inside.”

She paused, almost at the bedroom, turned to him and asked again. “So why on earth did you bolt my door?”

Ireti knitted her brow, expecting a resolved answer. Then, after some seconds of proper deliberation he finally figured out what to say. “When I wake up, I find you for inside and I no see you. I fear come go find you for outside, and I no still see you. I now enter inside...”

“Hey! Please it’s okay. I needed just a simple answer, not an epistle.” Ireti interjected. “Are you ready so I may drop you off?”

“Ehm... What of the oga madam dress you wan give me?”

“It’s in the car. I rushed out to pick it up from my dry-cleaner when I realized it wasn't among my cloths.” She wiggled inside the bedroom. “You can wait for me by the car. I want to change.”

Within a blink of an eye, Ireti locked her house, hit the automatic key-lock of her car, which alerted Dede that the car-door was now opened. Though his mind never drifted away from the bag of money lying in Ireti’s wardrobe, he still could admire her, as she walked towards the car. His gaze traveled over her form-fitting grey blouse, which was buttoned to her chin but failed to hide well-rounded bosom, resting on her blue jeans. Ireti appeared casual with the face-cap, but irresistibly beautiful to the eyes that could see.

Silence filled the car. Not even a hum to the song that played on the car-stereo. Debts had been paid, promises perfectly fulfilled, therefore romantic contract was over. Like seriously? It really wasn't over for Dede. As a matter of fact, the relationship just kicked off, because that seemed to be the gateway in retrieving the money he left behind in her house. Far from what bothered Dede, all that consumed her mind was her long absence from her boutique. Ireti’s boutique was all that she relied on. Though she looked classy, both in her appearance and in act, they were all sheer packaging.

She had felt suspicious for some weeks that funds were swindled by her employees; she had two sales girls and an errand boy. That faithful day, Ireti overheard one of the sales girl discuss with the other, saying, “...this my palasa needs an upgrade. To tell the truth, Iphone five is my next target. And before the ending of this month I will get one.” How on earth would a girl within the age range of twenty to twenty-three get such money from, whose monthly salary was mere twelve thousand naira? Ireti wondered. Her ears itched, and she so wished she had hung around to eavesdrop the rest of the conversation. She just had to pay close attention to her business now, handle the record-books, sign miscellaneous drafts and monitor every kobo traveling out of the shop.

Dede cleared his throat, distorting Ireti’s rapid imagination. He twisted his head to the side and met her gaze.

“What?” Ireti asked, with a soft tone. “That’s the dress on the seat behind, if that is what you want to ask.”

“No.”

“Then what?” Ireti focused on the road ahead, changing the gear to another speed-level.

“I want to ask if I fit come greet you some other time.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“...No I mean for afternoon o.” Dede stuttered between the lines.

A smile edged the corners of Ireti’s mouth. She shrugged, and said yes to his fishy request. Dede shined a grin, as his mission had gotten an headway. Ireti sped on. They were almost at Amdala Barracks, so Ireti pulled over few meters away. Dede alighted and without delay, Ireti zoomed off. He took few steps towards the barrack gate, then he heard a someone call his name. Dede turned around and was bolted from the blue. Busted?

****************************************

Education they say is key, apparently the key to unlock the golden door of freedom. But this lacked the rebels, having kept Sanmi and the General, both, in the same cage. The rebels actually might not be as foolish as it seemed, assigning two fully armed men to stay on guard, watching over the cell.

No more bayonet. No more pistol. No weapon sort of to aid set them loose. Even then, their hands were tied from behind. Sanmi again sprout a sense of escape. This time he was ready to confront anything, so mean and ready to die. Desperate times calls for desperate measures.

“Sir, come closer.” Sanmi whispered to the General, then returned his eye to the keyhole.

The General walked to him, minding his steps. “What are you looking at?” He asked quietly, then bent to take a look.

“Nobody is around, save these two standing here.” Sanmi excused the keyhole for the General.

The General looked keenly, scanned the horizon his eye could see, then stood erect to understand the point behind Sanmi’s idea. “What are you thinking, Captain?”

“Sir, it’s simple but risky. We would get those two inside here and get ourselves outside there. Sir, our some of soldiers are still held hostage here in this suburb. And we have to do all we can to get everybody back to camp safe and alive.”

The General reasoned along, even though his heart skipped within the second. “Okay, we need to get this ropes off first.” The General turned around, showing Sanmi his bundled hands.

“That’s no problem.” Sanmi smiled, then sent his teeth to work on the ropes.

“I love your courage, officer.”

“I love my country sir.”

“Hasten up please. I can here some footsteps.” The General muttered.

ON THE RUN (EPISODE 18)

by Unknown on 01:54

The owner of the house had returned. There was no way Dede could get the bag of money out of the house. He looked around for any op...

I sprang up to my feet and rushed outside. Crowd had gathered at the scene like fans in a stadium, watching their club play. As I wobbled my way to the scene, dodging coming vehicles, my phone rang. I quickly reached for it. It was my mother. A part of me was happy, as I was scared she was a victim of the accident.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

TALES OF JOHN (EPISODE 2)

by Unknown on 06:06

I sprang up to my feet and rushed outside. Crowd had gathered at the scene like fans in a stadium, watching their club play. As I wobbl...

Sanmi couldn't believe what he saw. Trust is like a paper once it’s crumpled, it can’t be perfect. He stood still, gazing at the foul movement of the two, covered under the blanket. With a clenched hands, his face squeezed to a frown and his eyes glow in rage. Not having a single clue of the person under the bed with his wife raised his anger. He peeked at Dede’s room, then turned fully towards its direction. If Dede wasn't in his room, then, nothing would change Sanmi’s mind from the notion that Dede was presently under the blanket with his wife. He rushed to the door and kicked it open. It looked abandoned. He slowly walked in.

Sanmi scattered his gaze at different angles of the room, the dirty wall, the torn curtain, the edges of the ceiling ruled by cobwebs and the missing mattress on the spring bed-frame. He swiped his finger on the dusty table and walked out of the room, concluding in his heart that Dede had moved into the main house. Nobody messes around with a soldier, not even a soldier who just escaped death. Sanmi scurried back to the house, to the door, and forced his way in, cracking the bolt. Someone was going to pay a quick visit to heaven, maybe hell, as Sanmi reached for a knife in the kitchen and tiptoed to the room. Were these two so absorbed in the act that they weren't aware of his presence, or perhaps the heavy sound the door produced when it kissed the floor? He grabbed the hem of the blanket and hauled it away to reveal their shameful act. Oops! His red eyes puffed out of its socket, in surprise, seeing the person who laid with his wife.

He felt the slap on his face, but ignored its effect on his cheek. Sanmi wanted to see the end of his dream. His wife was pleading and was about explaining, when another slap landed on his cheek. This time, he couldn't resist the pain. He sprang up to his feet and was welcomed by the morning sun, which stood proud on the firmament. And most importantly, the cocking sound of the guns that greeted him ‘good morning,’ extinguished the memory of the dream he had.

“Nigerian soldier, you kill my boy and trying to run run go.” The Rebel-Leader said, hoping he communicated well in English.

Fear consumed Sanmi. The goose bumps that immediately formed on his body were as tall as mountains and his heart raced very fast, fast enough to hear it pulse. He shook his head to disagree to the fact that he killed the rebels, because explaining himself would complicate things. It definitely will.

The Rebel Leader groaned. “Nigerian soldier kill Tukur! You kill Tukur, my son. I will kill you.” He stuck his pistol under Sanmi’s jaw.

Sanmi shivered, realizing his days on earth ticked.

“Leave him alone. I did what you accused him of. If you so wish to kill him, then kill me.” The General said, with a frown on his face, ready to bear Sanmi’s cross. He still could voice his opinion, even while he was apprehended; his hands tied from behind, and with a gun pointing to his head.

The General wasn't as fearful as Sanmi had thought. He happened to be very nice and selfless. The Rebel-Leader’s attention was stolen by the General.

With his index finger in the trigger guard, he rolled his pistol and walked to the General. “Hero General! You want do die for him? You kill Tukur, but me won’t kill you until I get my dollars.” He said, in the General’s face, then, signaled them to be taken away.

Struggling, resisting to go with them, the General cried out. “You’re getting nothing! I mean nothing! No kobo! You’d better kill me.”

“General want to die quick quick. Don’t worry, I will kill you.” The Rebel-Leader muttered under his breath.

Sanmi grew uneasy, the rebel who led him on shoved him unnecessarily. He threw a peek at the rebel, and smirked. This was just a blip on the radar for him. He knew what he was capable of. And if he did it once, he could do it again.

***********************************************

He stared at the screen of his phone, wondering who the caller was. Dede hissed as he drifted his mind back to his present pickle. Since it wasn't Salewa’s number, he decided not to answer the call. Perhaps it could be Ireti, he gave it a second thought. He shrugged off, silencing the nagging voice urging him to pick up the call. He had more pressing issues and wasn't ready to add up to it by making just another mistake.

The call dropped.

Dede rushed to the window at the sound of various passing vehicles. His tearful eyes ransacked the busy street, hoping to find a green Toyota Avensis that would approach the house, with Ireti sitting behind the wheels. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

“Wetin this aunty dey do me no good o. Time don dey go now and I no even know where she commot go.” Dede grumbled, as he walked back to the bedroom, from the sitting room.

He sat on the bed, staring forlornly at the wardrobe. An idea struck his troubled mind. She promised to give him the dress. Whether she gave him in person or he took it without her consent, the promise was fulfilled. Dede walked to the wardrobe, and flung its door open. His eyes scanned through the cloths that hung neatly on the hangers. His hands soon joined in the quest. He didn't find the cloth hanging. He had no choice than to find the cloth, else his visit was totally in vain.

He hissed. “Where she keep this cloth na?” Dede stood at akimbo, wondering where she hid her other cloths.

He caught a glimpse of a bag in the wardrobe. He bent into it and found they were two, one blue and the other black. He dragged them out, then sat to comfort on the bed. No doubt, the cloth would be in here, he said to himself as he unzipped the first. He dipped his hand in the bag, pulling out and checking the cloths one after the other. He extracted a blue gown, which marked the last piece in the bag, and was disappointed.

He tossed the blue bag away, and brought in between his legs the other. Zip! What?!

“Jesus! Holy Jesus!”

Dede couldn't believe what he saw. He dashed to the door and bolted it. For now, he needed some privacy. The thought of Salewa melted away from his mind. He grew nervous, praying Ireti never returned till he finish the task at hand. He reached for the window and ensured the curtain properly blocked any unwanted views.

Just as he was about unraveling the bag, a knock hit the door.

ON THE RUN (EPISODE 17)

by Unknown on 01:28

Sanmi couldn't believe what he saw. Trust is like a paper once it’s crumpled, it can’t be perfect. He stood still, gazing at the ...

I’m John. John Orimolayan. But I did not know my father. I had spent all my life with my mother, who I saw as an angel, fending for me, both in the rosy and in the hard times. She had wake up early, before sunrise, to prepare my breakfast, so I can eat before going to school. And before the closing bell jingles, she had be at the gate, laying wait for me so she can take me home.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

TALES OF JOHN (EPISODE 1)

by Unknown on 08:10

I’m John. John Orimolayan. But I did not know my father. I had spent all my life with my mother, who I saw as an angel, fending for me,...

The rain wasn't heavy, I just rushed out because I had to save a dying soul. Though, it was still some minutes past four in the morning, she called me and spoke in a way I couldn't understand. At first, something held me back and told me it would be so foolish of me to go. What if she was planning to ruin me? I sat again as I reasoned along. It might be true, I said within myself as I kept nodding like a lizard. I was wondering if she could really do it, but, I finally surmised that she was capable of doing everything bad. She actually was.

She hated me so much, so, why wouldn't she try to ruin me? But this voice I just heard was like she was dying, she was just in agony and pains! I really couldn't continue holding myself back as I dusted my torn jeans and wore it on the unbuttoned boxer shorts. The boxers had lost the two buttons because it was the only one I did use with the second one I had. They were just two. The second one wasn't well too, but at least better. I didn't mind it as I zipped up the trouser. I was the only son of the family. No, the only son and the only child. Yeah, that’s how it’s meant to be. A poor family should also be added because I think church mouse was richer than us. I just left my parents’ place some months back to be alone because I couldn't be in that house forever.

Why would I even stay there forever? Did I know what was usually wrong with my mother? She was always crying! Just weeping! At first, I did think it was because of this poverty, but as time went on, I got to know she preferred the poverty to what was really wrong with her. Wait oh, I still couldn't comprehend what it was. She never told me! I didn't like that attitude! I hated it when she cried, I just couldn't bear it and decided to leave the house because of that reason and some more, though. My father was always brooding too. I just didn't know what had gone wrong with the two. That had always been the case from the first day I got to know they were my parents till the moment I could live on my own. I have always told them, even begged them to tell me what the problem was, but they never shared it for more than twenty-one years now. I just knew that there was problem! A big one!

I looked at the wall clock that was ticking softly again and felt I had no enough reasons to leave my place that morning for Juliana’s place. She was the devil herself! Yes, the devil! I have tried to preach to her severally but she had always turned me down because of her sinful life. She still enjoyed it, really enjoyed it that she hated me because I wasn't a part to it. The hatred was unbearable that she did text my mobile phone to curse me whenever I tried to preach to her. She was just a lady I met during my Youth Service Corps and fortunately we met each other in the same hood again. She didn't like me because I was poor and because I was a Christian who wasn't shy to hide my Christian faith.

So, why would she just call me that morning? Her voice was full of pain, I could hear how she was breathing as if she was in a real agony. Ooh.. Now I remember that she read Theatre Arts in school, she might be acting! I couldn't tell if she had decided to call just to shift the murder of someone on me. I couldn't just stop thinking of different things that might have happened. But I never forgot to pray before I eventually dashed out to help her. Getting to the front of her house, my heart skipped a beat. It was still dark and the rain was drizzling. From where I stood, I could still hear her moan and bellows. What was happening? My eyes popped open as I moved closer. She had lost her parents and was living alone in that house. So, was she attacked? I questioned myself as I pushed her door and it just opened.

I was shocked. I never ever expected that to happen! I saw her lying in her blood, writhing from right to left in great pain. I ran towards her and saw a knife by her side. “Who stabbed you?” My eyes jacked up. She was too tired to talk again. Wouldn't it be a big issue to pull out the knife from her side? I asked myself as I summoned courage and pulled it out gently. She just screamed. I carried her up and she had bled a lot. Who would I call? The poor me who had no car, nothing! The remaining fifty naira on me the day before was used to get bread that I used water to take. “Juliana, sorry.” I said as I carried her and kept going till I got to the junction and stopped the few moving vehicles then, but none waited.

She was dying! I got enraged as I tried to wipe my tears too and stood at the middle of the road when a car was coming. “Stop!” I screamed and the car halted. A young guy came down from the car and looked exactly like me. I looked at him again and felt like disappearing. “But, my mother never told me I have a twin brother!” I mumbled. The guy also fixed his gaze at me, wondering who I was. Or was that what made my parents cry for years? I continued wondering.

TO BE CONTINUED...

EARLY IN THE MORNING (STORY BY: TEMITOPE DANIEL)

by Unknown on 01:40

The rain wasn't heavy, I just rushed out because I had to save a dying soul. Though, it was still some minutes past four in the...

He never saw that coming. With a red bulging eyes fixed on Ireti, and a puckered brow, Dede softly rubbed his cheeks. His brain ran wide like Google, in quest of finding an answer to the bugging question, why on earth was he slapped? He found none.

After a long pause, Ireti smiled and said, “I expected you to have eaten me up by now. And not you standing here looking at me like a stripper.”

Eaten? Literally or otherwise? Still with his palm on his cheek, Dede threw his right hand behind her waist, then yanked her closer, close enough to feel her bosom on him. Not taking further action as their gazes clash will only show how weak he was, so Dede sent his idle hand behind her neck, tilting her head a little forward, and then stuck his tongue through her lips into her mouth. Only God could tell where he learnt those tricks from. He didn't have a television to watch even the network news, far from now watching Mexican movies.

Ireti enjoyed the whole moment their mouths had close fellowship. Her hands gripped his back until her fingernails bit through the T-shirt and into his skin. Dede drove his fingers through her hair, inching her towards the bed, their tongues still hovering in their mouths. The solemn tune that played on the stereo, beside Ireti’s bed, mingled with the current affair, augmenting the burning desire in them.

“Let’s take it...”

Ireti didn't wait to hear that. She reached for the bottom of his shirt and sent it flying across the room. She held her gaze fast as their bodies touched and collided, aching and straining with a need that had yet to be met. Their weight sunk the bed, as Ireti groped for the switch-extension, dangling by the headboard, to set the lights off. Click! The light goes out and the room was set for battle. Ireti reached for Dede, grabbed him by the waist and hauled out his belt, at a drag. If he wasn't scared of sexually transmitted diseases, at least he should for unwanted pregnancy.

He quickly brought out the guard from his pocket, but Ireti restlessly knocked it out of his hand. Her lower body arched against him, begging, pleading for more. Ireti grew wild. She tugged out his jeans out his legs, then fumbled for his boxers.

“Aunty aunty e don fall.” Dede held tightly, with both hands, his pipe.

“What?” Ireti frowned at the unnecessary interruption.

“The protection.”

“What are you protecting? Headache or catarrh? Which? Cos I really don’t get. I should be the one protecting myself here.” She rushed. “God knows how many girls you have slept with...after Salewa.”

“Ha! So oga madam tell...” He sounded, shocked.

Ireti interjected. “...Yes of course. Even before her nko? You must have penetrated all those dirty barrack girls with this...this thing.”

Ireti yanked his grip off his crotch, and slowly pulled his boxers out of his legs. If that’s what she wanted, he was able and capable to the task. He hadn't meant for things to get so out of hand, so quickly, but the tempest of desire swirling inside him wouldn't be denied also. He pinned her to the bed like an angry wrestler, slipped her panties down and raised her hips to help him, anything to satisfy the aching need. Just like a penalty kick with no keeper in the goal, the ball hit the target without a thought of accuracy.

Was the night short? That, Dede couldn't answer as the beam of light from the sun forced its way through the window and hitting him on his sleepy face. He sprang out of bed, like a job hunter late for an interview. His gaze scattered around the pink wall for a clock, to be sure his head was still going to hang on his neck. 7:33 A.M. Dede grew nervous.

“Aunty! Aunty!” He called out, as he went around fetching his cloths.

No response, Ireti was not in the house. The clock ticked on. His eyes grew red, pacing around the whole house, scared, lost in thought, praying Salewa shouldn't check up on him this morning as she normally did when she had some of her cloths with him. He visited every opening that had a door; the kitchen, the toilet, the bathroom, the store, and even the wardrobe, all in search of Ireti. He sighed in weariness, and almost immediately his phone rang.

*************************************

He was tenacious all the way, protecting the General, firing at the rebels as they dashed through the forest. The General gasped and was about fainting. It was a rough run.

“I want to rest.” He cried.

“You can’t rest here sir.” Sanmi hollered, then threw his gaze at the advancing angry rebels.

“I just need to rest.”

“Sir! You rest here, you rest in peace.” Sanmi pulled the trigger at the rebels.

Pow! Pow!! They returned fire and increased their pace towards them.

“Just go. I have come to the end of the road.” He gasped again.

Sanmi slung his rifle, then pulled the General to his feet and heaved him on his shoulder. When the going gets tough, only the tough gets going. Sanmi couldn't leave his boss behind, to be killed or held captive as a prisoner of war. His strides were short, but quick, moving in a zigzag, dodging the rapid fire the rebels released. More like carrying four bags of cement, Sanmi endured the weight of the General, until he finally escaped the rebels to their camp. From afar, the military medical personnel rushed towards them and helped them to the emergency ward. They gave Sanmi and the General a fast treatment to get them back on their feet.

Now, the parade was formed and all waited for the arrival of the General. He had called for the parade to address them. Not too long did he arrive, then walked to the podium, before the microphone, to speak.

“I’m so impressed with your gallantry. You have all showed your support and commitment to me and to our country, Nigeria and to the United Nation. No doubt you all possess the spirit of brotherhood. Espirit de corps!” The General grinned. “Now, I can’t but show more gratitude to a brave officer, who risked his life to save me. He came. He saw. And he conquered. Captain Sanmi match outside.”

His face broadened with joy and a smile tugged his lips. It was a rare privilege to be called out amidst other combatant officers. He dug his heels in, squared his shoulders, chinned up, matching with pride to meet the General.

Sanmi halted, and saluted, then he remained still for the General’s next command.

“Captain Sanmi got married last month and here he is for this peace-keeping exercise. I hereby dismiss him to go home and meet with his heartthrob.” The General threw a glance at Sanmi and smiled. “You may all go back to your respective duty post or camps as the case may be.”

The General turned around and left the parade.

For him to spend another second in the camp seemed like punishment. He jumbled his belongings inside his luggage, then rushed inside the vehicle that conveyed him to the airport. It appeared like twelve hours, but it was just five hours on air that he landed Lagos. He couldn't wait to see his wife. He planned showing up without informing her, just as a form of surprise. He immediately stopped a taxi and he was driven home.

Home sweet home. He paid off the cab-man, then he stood staring at the entrance of the house, hoping Salewa had come out. He inched to the door and knocked, but he got no reply. He knocked again, and the situation was unchanged. He dropped his luggage in front of the door, then decided to check up on her in their room, through the window, from the other side of the house. He watched his steps, as he didn't want to spoil the surprise. Now at window, he stood on his toes and his bulging eyes met a surprise. Women were not to be trusted, as said by the General. The truth hit him like a thunderbolt.

ON THE RUN (EPISODE 16)

by Unknown on 23:22

He never saw that coming. With a red bulging eyes fixed on Ireti, and a puckered brow, Dede softly rubbed his cheeks. His brain ran wid...

The chirping sound of the cricket filled their ears, as the breeze blew peace to their troubled souls. Sanmi and the General paced further into the forest, increasing the distance between them and the rebels’ camp. They were both exhausted.

“Hey, let’s have some rest.” The General suggested, but sounded more like a command.

“Okay Sir.”

The General reached for the tree right behind him, he sat down and leaned his back against it. Sanmi remained on his feet, not sure if it was a good idea to sit, or rather stand alert.

“Hey Sanmi, come and sit here.” The General called.

“Okay Sir.” Sanmi walked to the General and sat beside him.

The General let out a deep breath, and then adjusted his back, propped against the tree. “Where are the rest soldiers? And how come you were captured? Were you on patrol or what? Who decoded the signals they sent?”

Even if Sanmi was a modern-day computer, with the highest functioning RAM and an extremely fast processor, he wouldn't recollect all the questions the General had streamed out. But he tried answering the ones that lingered on his conscious.

“I was ordered by the battalion commander, just after the signal was decoded, to fetch some soldiers and go in search of the rebels’ hide-out.”

“What was the content of the signals, because I couldn't understand a thing? Was that hausa? Or what language was that?” The General added, even when the prior ones were yet to be answered.

Sanmi rolled his eyes at the General. “Sir, the signal was sent in Didinga and...”

The General interrupted. “Didin-what? Which kind of language is that?”

Sanmi sighed. “It’s Didinga. And a soldier helped translating it.”

“Ahn ahn, is the soldier from Sudan?”

“No, he happened to understand it, but Sir, how come you entered their ambush?” Sanmi asked.

“I wondered too. I just saw those useless boys coming out from left and right.”

Sanmi interrupted. “Ahn ahn, weren't the escort at alert?” A smile tugged his lips as he had successful turned the table.

“That’s a question I’m not sure of. We were almost at the main camp when it happened. It was a quiet one. Any attempt to attack them would send all of us to our early grave. I still can’t imagine how those tiny boys got those weapons. GPMGs, RPGs, Grenades...”

“I wonder too Sir.”

The General gave a loud yawn, mindless that they were still on the run. Sanmi chuckled and that caught his attention. “What? The way I yawned?”

“No sir.”

“Then?”

“Just thought of something.” Sanmi said, still smiling.

“What?”

“I just imagined that even a General doesn't want to die.”

The General grinned. “Oh, I see. Who wants to die? Who, tell me who? Nobody wants to. Or do you?”

“God forbid sir. Me that I just got married.” Sanmi smiled.

“You just got married?”

“Yes sir.” Sanmi cracked his knuckles.

“When was that?”

“Last month sir.”

“Seriously?”

“Yes sir. Twenty third of April.”

“That’s a week ago?” The General asked, stunned.

“Yes sir.”

“That’s serious. Your wife would be missing you so much.”

Sanmi smiled. “That’s the sacrifice she would have to pay for me. All that I’m doing is all for her.”

“Can see you trust women so much.”

“No sir, I trust my wife.”

“I don’t trust mine.” The General said, slowly.

Salewa’s thought flashed his mind. “But why sir?”

“That’s a story for another day.” The General yawned. “I’m tired and I need some rest.”

The General drifted his back away from the tree and laid on the ground, on the dry leaves. Sanmi pondered on the last words of his boss. He wished he could pull a call through to Salewa, to rekindle his trust in her, but his phone dwelled with the rebels. After some minutes, the gentle breeze sent him far into the dreamland.

***********************************************

Even when she perceived that Dede would be fast asleep, Salewa still forged on. She inched slowly and thought what would be Dede’s response towards her because she’d assured him nothing of such would happen between them again. She got to his and knocked, but no response. She knocked, softly, again and still she got no reply. She placed her ear to the door, hoping she’d hear a sound, perhaps his snore. She heard nothing. Salewa’s life was becoming miserable by the second, her head banged and her body begged for warmth.

“Ok, he is pretending not to hear me knock abi. I don’t blame him. Not his fault.” She said under her breath and then walked back to her room.

Dede, who sat on the sofa, watching a foreign music video in Ireti’s sitting room, didn't know that he was already in for it. Though Dede’s eyes stay fixed on the television, his mind ransacked Ireti’s wardrobe for the dress she’d promised him. He sipped the juice he was entertained with, waiting patiently for Ireti, who was in the bathroom, taking a shower. Dede stood to his feet, strolled around the sitting room, feeding his eyes on the picture-frames that hung on the wall. Ireti had a nice family and she seemed to be the oldest of three girls her parents bore. Dede concentrated more on Ireti’s family picture and then wondered why Ireti was still single. He shrugged and continued moving around.

Ireti had changed a lot of things in the house. The color of the wall, from green to cream, the curtains were now fluffy and long, unlike the short thick ones that proved difficult to wash. Dede nodded in approval at the pleasant changes he met since his exit some months back. The aquarium Ireti bought recently caught his attention. He knelt before it and watched the lone fish swim around.

Ireti tread softly into the sitting room, but Dede was too engrossed to notice. She cleared her throat and he turned around. He stood to his feet, slowly, and tried to compose himself. He shined his eyes like a cat who have seen a fish to steal. Ireti wiggled closer to him. Her long curly hair flicked foward, covering the sling of her silver nightie. Her lips were clear, smooth, and soft. She licked and bit her lower lip. Dede shifted his gazed to her lower body, as Ireti purposely turned around, provoking his desire. She was confident of her selling point, the softer, rounder parts of her. Didn't matter if he looked from the bottom up, or the top down, he like what he saw. Ireti twisted her behind towards her room and Dede followed her, not waiting for the green light.

She held the hem of her nightie, hauled it up in a slow motion, then removed it completely. Dede seemed to be in another world, as he stood almost drooling. Interest replaced curiosity and the temperature outside hitched up a notch. So did strategic body parts. He dipped his hand in his pocket to be ascertain of the presence of his shield. He grinned. Now, in her peach G-string and a rose patterned bra, Ireti walked to Dede, who stood by the door. He smiled. She returned his smiled, paused, and slapped him.