Wura arranged pieces of fried sausages over a layer of fried egg in her bread. Then, she sprayed mustard over the sausages before clapping the final loaf of bread on it.

As her bread sandwich grilled, she went over to the refrigerator and took out a cold bottle of yogurt which she poured into a glass cup. Next she began to slice bananas into the cup.

She glanced at Rhyme who was eating sardine for breakfast and she smiled.

Her bread sandwich soon became ready and she put it into a plate which she placed on a tray alongside her yogurt. Wura headed to her living room and settled on the floor, crossing her legs over each other and placing the tray in her middle.

Taking a bite of her breakfast, she switched on the television with the remote.

“... the Power Progressive Party -PPP takes over most areas in Lagos with banners and colorful campaigns. PPP candidate Alhaji Ali Maikasuwa seems to have the interest of the people in contrast to his top opponent, ACP candidate Bamidele Ojo.”

A picture of both candidates appeared on the screen and Wura narrowed her eyes at Alhaji Ali Maikasuwa. There was something about him she couldn’t place her finger on.

Generally, politics did not interest her because in Nigeria, it was a big joke. But still, the Alhaji looked like someone she didn’t want to encounter in real life.

Wura did not like his smile, his round face and the moustache on it. He looked greedy and manipulative.

“Do you think Alhaji Ali will win this year’s election?” The TV presenter asked her co host.

“Well, I sincerely don’t know. It depends on the public.” A man in a crisp blue suit replied her.

Wura snorted at his response. Like the government give a damn about the public when they could easily manipulate the voting numbers to their advantage.

“Let us hope that the pubic makes the right choice.” The female host said.

The male host nodded. “And let us hope that our next Governor will bring about a positive change in our metropolis.”

“All na lie.” Wura commented as she sipped her yogurt, “they’re all liars from the pit of hell.” she hissed as she bit into her sandwich and that moment, her phone beeped in notification.

Picking it up, she typed in her password to see a message pop up.

‘Knock Knock.’ the message read made her frown in annoyance, and so she dropped her phone and went on with breakfast.

Her phone beeped almost immediately, which she picked up to reveal the same message from the same unknown number.

Furiously, she began to type. ‘Wrong number.’

Another message came again. ‘Wura.’

That made her breath hitch and her eyes narrow in suspicion and caution. As a spy, unknown numbers who knew her name could mean trouble.

‘Who are you?’ she asked.

‘Guess?’

Wura’s head began to spin. It could be anybody at all, whether good or bad.

‘I can’t guess.’ she replied the unknown number. ‘Tell me who you are.’

‘Will pepper soup help you remember?’

Wura immediately felt relieved.
‘Nonso.’ she replied.

‘your favorite fine boy/Aquaman.’

A ghost of smile crept on Wura’s lips as she stared at the message and began to type.

‘How did you get my number and name?’

‘Nawa o, you can’t even tell me good morning.’

Wura chuckled. ‘Lol. Talk jare.’

‘That’s my secret.’ he sent, alongside a winking emoji. ‘How was your night?’

Wura paused. When was the last time someone asked how her night was?

‘Okay.’ She lied, because she could not tell a stranger that she couldn’t sleep because of reoccurring nightmares. ‘Yours?’

‘Same old.’ he replied. ‘You’re not active on Whatsapp?’

Wura shook her head. ‘No.’

‘No wonder.’ he replied, ‘what are your plans for today?’

‘Work.’

‘Okay. When do you close?’

‘Late. Why? Any problems?’ Wura asked.

‘Can I call you later tonight?’

‘Why?’ She had to ask.

‘I want to hear your voice before I sleep.’

Wura’s heart skipped a beat as she pondered over the message. He wanted to hear her voice. Why?

‘I’m not going to take no for an answer.’

She stared at the text message for a while, unsure of what to say. She wasn’t a good talker so what would they want to talk about?

‘And if I say no?’ she asked out of curiosity.

‘I’ll still call you.’

Wura’s heart softened into some kind of unidentified emotion. For a moment her dull world was colorful and her breakfast was suddenly sweeter than usual.

‘Okay.’ She typed in the message before hitting the send icon. A talk wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Wura eyed the agitated female who chewed her nails nervously on her seat. Her whole fidgeting did not match the catchy afro beat music that played in the background of the restaurant.

Throughout the previous day, she had to convince Peace to come and see her. She was terrified and stubborn to protect her life.

“Where you forced to do it?” Wura asked with a cool voice.

Peace looked around In fear. “If she sees me here, she would kill me.” She said with panic in her voice, “I’m scared.”

“She’s not going to see you.” Wura told her with a calm voice, “be calming down. This place is secured, I promise you.”

It was the truth because that very restaurant was owned by TJH and under the guise of the waitresses and waiters, they were all skilled in combat. Also, the building was protected with bullet proof glass and micro security cameras.

In order words, anyone would be foolish to try anything funny in a place like that.

“She calls herself Skull crusher.” Peace whispered in fear, “she will literally crush my skull.”

Wura sipped her orange juice through a straw, in attempt to control her amusement. Skull crusher? Wonder shall never end.

“Skull crusher -” She mockingly said the name, “won’t catch you here, so be rest assured.”

“Are you sure?” Peace probed on further. “me I’m not ready to die o.”

Wura drummed the table surface with her fingers rhythmically as she sighed. “You won’t die,” she assured her, “so answer my question so I’ll know how to help you.” she locked eye contact with her, “Why. Did. You. Do. It?” she asked with emphasis on each word.

“For money,” Peace muttered ashamedly, “I did it or money.”

Wura leaned into her chair in interest and crossed her arms over each other. “Money for what? From what I know, you run a perfume business , so money for what?”

“How you do know that?” Peace demanded, her voice higher than usual which made surrounding people stare.

“I made my findings.” Wura replied truthfully. As a spy, it was necessary to make findings before confrontation.

“I don’t understand?” Peace was definitely confused, “which findings? From who?”

Patience was one of Wura’s virtues, which at that point she was grateful for. Astrid would have not been able to tolerate this girl.

“Look,” Wura leaned forward, “right now, you have to trust and confide in me. Take a deep breath, relax, drink up your smoothie and talk.”

Peace drew in a deep breath as advised, before releasing it. “Okay, I’ll talk.”

“Good.” Wura leaned backwards, “so money for what?”

“My mother has to undergo surgery,” she swallowed before she continued, “I don’t have enough money for surgery and my perfume business hasn’t been doing well these days.”

“How did you meet skull crusher?”

“I went to the dry cleaner's shop and I meet her there. She said she had a job offer for me and told met her at Palace club. At first I told her I wasn’t interested in being a stripper but she assured me that it was going to be a completely easy job.” Peace explained while fiddling with her fingers in slight agitation.

“The job was to spy on Dahlia?” Wura asked for confirmation.

Peace nodded in response, “for a week.”

“How about your father? Why can’t he help your mother?”

Peace shook her head solemnly. “He left us several years ago and my relatives don’t care about my mum and I.”

“I understand.” Wura said.

“No you don’t,” Peace scoffed, “don’t try to pity me because you don’t know how it feels.”

“I’m an orphan.” Wura said after moments of silence. “I lost my Mum, only brother and my Father left me, so I understand how you feel first hand.”

“Oh,” Peace ducked her head in shame, “my condolences.”

“Same to you.” Wura looked away.

“What is Dahlia doing?” Peace asked out of the bloom.

“Excuse me?” Wura raised a brow in question, “why do you say so?”

“She’s doing something -something I don’t know yet,” Peace explained.

“Care to expatiate?”

“The maids don’t sleep at Dahlia’s place.” Peace took a sip of her smoothie after that, “there’s a bungalow just opposite her house, she owns that house too. It’s where all her staffs sleep including the cooks.”

“Interesting.” Wura had to say, “but why?”

Peace shrugged. “I don’t know, none of us knows why.” She glanced around before leaning forward, “I hear noises in the middle of the night.” she whispered.

“What kind of noises?”

“Truck noises and whispering. I’ve heard it twice this week.” Peace told her.

“And how do you know its from Dahlia’s compound?”

“Because I saw them.” Peace shocked Wura by saying. “I’m a light sleeper so the sound woke me up. I snuck to the gate, opened it quietly and peeped through. It was like they were moving something through the truck, but I don’t know what.”

“Have you told Skull crusher about it?” Wura inquired hoping she was smart enough not to do so.

“No.” Peace replied which made Wura heave out a sigh of relief. “I don’t want to get involved with her anymore,” Peace continued, “I’m scared.’

Wura stared at her with understanding as she thought over the pending issue. “This week will soon be over. What will you do?”

“I have no choice.” Peace shook her head in dismay, “If I run, she will kill me and I can’t leave my Mother in the hospital also.”

Wura hummed in thought as she drummed her fingers on the table. “There is a huge possibility that she may not give you the money and she can’t be trusted.”

Peace gasped in shook. “So what do I do.”

“Beat her at her own game.” Wura smiled coldly. “I’ll call you before Sunday and explain what to do. Thank you for seeing me Peace. I promise to get you out of this mess.”

“Be careful.” Peace told her with concern in her expression. “I don’t know what is going on but I don’t want you to get hurt in the process.”

I’m beyond hurt, Wura thought. I’m broken.

Wura smiled at her. “Thank you for your concern. You may leave. I’ll pay for your smoothie.”

As Peace exited the restaurant, Wura couldn’t help but pounder over this particular mission that seemed to have several branches. It was starting to vex her.

Skull crusher. She scoffed. What a dramatic name.

At least she was able to get some important information. Palace club was a place in Lagos she was not all too familiar with, meaning she had to research on it.

“Agent Wura.” A feminine voice disrupted her thought, “lovely to see you here again after all these while,” the slender female sat without permission.

“Agent Dumebi.” Wura crossed her arms over each other. “I can’t say the same about you.”

“You look terrible,” Dumebi remarked, “and what are those on your face? Acne? I really should recommend my skin therapist to you.” Her smile was plastic. Fake.

“Dumebi.” Wura’s voice was like ice, “I don’t know if its those fake lashes that is hindering you from seeing who you’re talking to, or if its that wig on your head that is obstructing your flow of sense. Watch your mouth.”

“You’re still rude.” Dumebi sneered. “Who was that lady?”

Wura chuckled. “After all these time, you still choose to mind my business.”

Dumebi shrugged. “I guess some things never change. So, who was that lady? You really look older than your age, I hope its not your current mission that’s stressing you out.”

“What is your problem with me?” Wura asked. “Did you see me in your dream?”

“You know this Gothium mission was supposed to be mine. You snatched it away from me.” Dumebi raged.

“Is this your idea of intimidation?” Wura inquired, “am I supposed to hand over my position to you?”

“Everyone knows I’m better than you Wura,” Dumebi’s glare was hard. “I’m more more competent than you and more skilled.”

“Says the person who failed her last two missions.” Wura retorted, “You should worry about yourself and try to make up for your incompetence or you’ll be kicked out of TJH.”

“W-What do you mean by that?” Dumebi stuttered, “I didn’t fail any mission.”

“Bloody liar.” Wura murmured.

“You-You can’t talk to me like that.” Dumebi’s voice was shaky.

“Work on yourself dear,” Wura said with a wide smile, “and check up on Christopher. I think he still likes me.”

“You must be crazy,” Dumebi's voice was brittle , “Christopher loves me.”

“You stole him away from me.” Wura reminded her. “Not that I care anymore sha, I don’t drink my past vomits.” Wura sipped her juice, “but be warned, Karma is going to come after you very soon.”

“You..You..” Dumebi’s voice faded away as she stood up. “Watch your back.”

“Bye dear.” Wura waved  as she walked out of her sight and she hissed. Amebo oshi.

Dumebi was one of those people who always wanted to compete with her in everything. Right from their training year until now, she was constantly poking Wura, constantly wanting everything she had and even went as far as snatching a guy she liked at that time.

Wura’s phone vibrated on the table. Glancing at the name of the called ID, she accepted the call and placed it on her right ear.

“Hello Tomiwa.”

“Wura,” Tomiwa’s voice was unusually uneasy. “Where are you?”

“Somewhere,” Wura replied him slowly, “what’s up? She inquired again as she swirled the cup of juice in her other hand.

“It’s Astrid. She-She has been kidnapped.”

Wura’s cup fell to the floor and shattered in pieces.

“Tell me who did it so I can rip that person into pieces.” Wura announced as soon she reached base. “I said who did it?” She yelled, breathing unevenly. Who dared to kidnap Astrid?

“Wura,” Tomiwa’s voice was soothing, “calm down.”

“How can you tell me to be calm in this situation?” Wura faced him in anger, “Astrid has been kidnapped, we need to do save her. Don’t tell me to calm down.”

“Wura,” It was Aminat that called her name this time, “Calm yourself. We have the location already.”

“Who did it?” Wura asked as she clenched her fist in controlled anger.

“Dahlia’s sister.” Leri answered her question, which made her more confused. “The ski mask lady, she’s Dahlia younger sister.”

Wura ran her hand along her face in frustration. Skull crusher was Dahlia’s sister?

“Why did she do it? What happened?” Wura demanded impatiently.

“Well, we’ve been trying Astrid’s line throughout today but its been switched off,” Faizah explained, “until we got a call.The kidnapper was demanding for the original bullets. We have until the end of today or else Astrid is dead.”

“Have you tracked her phone?” Wura asked again.

Faizah shook her head, “the call was short so we were unable to pin point the location, but Astrid had her tracker earrings so we were able to use that to get her location.”

“She’s currently in an uncompleted building.” Fareed continued, “and I’m a hundred percent sure that black ski will tell us to deliver the bullets at a separate location.”

“But we’re not going to give it to her right?” Leri asked.

“Of course not,” Aminat said, much to everyone’s relief. “While we meet her, Wura will rescue Astrid.”

“What’s the point of meeting her when we could easily rescue Astrid?” Leri asked again.

“The trick is about being smart,” Tomiwa answered, “distraction is a major key when dealing will enemies. Give them something bigger to be occupied with while you get what you want.”

“In this case she values the bullets more than Astrid, so we trick her by thinking she will be getting it. We lure her away from Astrid. ” Aminat explained. “So Wura, you don’t have to be worried. Astrid will be save by tonight.”

Wura nodded before excusing herself to the spare room now occupied by Leri.

She sat on the bed and took in deep breaths. If she had been with Astrid then maybe she wouldn’t have gotten kidnapped. If she had paid her more attention then maybe she wouldn’t be lonely.

When she told Astrid that she was unwanted, she didn’t mean it. She regretted saying that to her only friend who had stuck with her through thick and thin in TJH, but she wanted Astrid to leave her alone. She wanted to deal with her problems alone without involving anyone.

Wura’e eyes brimmed with tears. She was sorry, but it wasn’t her fault. Ever since her brother’s death she felt like a huge wall had blocked her every of her emotions and replaced them with guilt, sadness and thirst for revenge.

Wiping the tears away she rose from the bed in determination. Skull crusher must be very stupid to kidnap Astrid. She was going to save her friend, and if she ever catches Dahlia’s sister again, she was going to drive a knife through her heart.

Almost 3.5k words, one of my longest chapters 😤

Its looks like our tough cookie Wura isn't so tough after all.

Don't forget to vote, comment, share and tag any of your friends that will enjoy this book ❤️❤️❤️❤️