"Why would Dahlia sell the Gothium bullets to such despicable people?" Astrid voice out everyone's mind.

"For money?" Faizah suggested.

"Bullshit."

"Exactly." Aminat agreed, staring intently at the pictures and details of each person on the holographic screen.

"None of them are Africans." Fareed, Faizah's twin brother noticed, "Why?"

"Because she's bonkers. Insane, mad." Astrid concluded as she stole a glance at Wura who said nothing where she sat.

"Dirty business, black market." Aminat explained as she rose from she sat. Aminat was the supervisor of their whole mission concerning Dahlia Kagabel. "She believes selling it to an African would be risky and that one day, she'll be exposed. She prefers doing business with the Oyinbo people who would protect her reputation continue patronizing her."

Astrid studied the names. Ten exotic names from across the globe from Trinidad to Mexico to USA to Russia to Turkey and even the UK was not excluded. They were either ex-convicts, drug lords or highly feared people.

"Crystal, I need the aerial view of Dahlia Kagabel's new property." Aminat commanded and the holographic images blurred into a wide plan view of Dahlia's newest mansion.

"Crystal zoom in twice," Aminat said again and the screen obeyed. Crystal was the name of the Jewels central intelligence who could perform some functions without the help of human control.

"As you all can see, this compound has two gates, the northern and southern gate," Aminat pointed to the screen, "The guests for the house warming will come in through the southern gate, while her special visitors will go in through the north. As the celebration is going on, the main event will be happening inside the house."

"Crystal, show floor plan of building and zoom in," Aminat ordered, "From this, we can see this section of the building is completely secluded and sound proof. This is where the presentation will take place."

"But we have absolutely no idea on what will happen during the presentation." Astrid stated.

"True, but through Chief, we are certain she won't be selling the bullets there as all orders aren't even finished yet."

"But what if the presentation ends up hurting someone?" Wura spoke for the first time since the gathering.

"We hope not." Aminat said.

"Then I suggest we wrap this mission up right there. Catch Dahlia and get her arrested." Wura said again. Her tone full of abhorrence as she mentioned Dahlia's name.

"Wura," Aminat's voice was calm, "you're ignoring the fact that these white people will be armed for protection and alongside the bullets, Innocent people will be present partying. We cannot rush this mission, one mistake will cost so many lives."

"The more reason we should end this." Wura argued, "We can kill two birds with one stone. Get the bullets and arrest Dahlia."

Aminat shook her head. "We can't," she spoke with finality, "We are taking precautions and baby steps to achieve a successful mission."

"Meanwhile Dahlia plans new ways on how to destroy people and ruin lives, the sooner we get her, the better for everyone." Wura raised her voice, masked in pain.

Everyone in the room knew the reason why Wura was behaving this way, the reason she hated Dahlia for what she had caused in her life.

Astrid studied her friend who had gradually become a shadow of her vibrant self after the incident. She could see the pain, grief and loneliness she hides so well behind her impassive face and silence.

"The good news is that we're making progress." Astrid had to speak, sensing the tension in the air, "Hurray?"

"Sorry for the delay everyone," Tomiwa barged in and Astrid heaved a sigh of relief. There couldn't be a better timing than this.

"Tommy," Astrid greeted and Tomiwa scowled at her.

"Don't call me that." Tomiwa said with a frown.

"Whatever," Astrid paid him no attention, "Did you get it? My Suya?"

"Sure and I brought enough for everyone," Tomiwa assured as he handed over the black cellophane bag to Astrid. The twins also stood, as they began taking newspaper wraps from the bag.

"Good evening Sister Aminat." Tomiwa pecked her on the cheek and she smiled slightly. They were cousins actually, not siblings and Aminat was older than Tomiwa with ten years hence the reason for calling her 'sister'.

That was one thing about Nigerians, they respected elders. Back in London, they weren't too big on family titles. Names were what everyone was used to.

Astrid chewed her peppery meat with dices on onions on them. This was one of her favorite Nigerian delicacy.

"So did anything interesting happen today?" Aminat asked Tomiwa, "regarding our target."

"Well yes, but it holds very little importance," Tomiwa reliped as he took off his tie and slumped on the sofa.

Aminat sighed, "Tomiwa any information is important at this point."

"Okay, so the writer of that trending article about Dahlia came over today."

Everyone exchanged confused looks in the room.

"Oh oh," Faizah snapped her fingers, "I saw it on Instagram this afternoon." She proceeded to take out her phone. "Here is it," she told Aminat, "Should I connect it to Crystal?"

Aminat nodded and within few minutes, it appeared on the screen.

"Priceless can't be negotiated. Wow." Astrid commended.

"As priceless and precious as gold, Dahlia Kagabel is a blessing to this generation..." Aminat read aloud.

"Are they in any way related?" Wura asked with a shook registered face after Aminat had finished reading.

Faizah shook her head, "She's a fan."

"She's obsessed with her." Her brother said the obvious.

"Poor soul." Faizah adjusted her glasses and shook her head.

"It's unfortunate." Her brother sighed.

"This is a magnificent piece, I must confess," Astrid said, "But her role model just had to be one of the worst people."

"It's not her fault." Aminat took a sip of her parfait, "the masses don't know who she really is behind her smiles and charity."

"She's leaving for South Africa next month," Tomiwa announced, looking up from the screen of his phone, "on the 19th precisely."

"Today is 19th July," Aminat said and Wura glanced at her knowingly but said nothing. "We have to complete this mission before then, no excuses."

Everyone nodded.

Aminat clapped, "Okay, this writer, should we be bothered? Tomiwa you've met her."

"I doubt she'll be a threat." Tomiwa shrugged.

"But we can also keep an eye on her indirectly." Astrid suggested, "And I think I have the perfect idea."

"Wura wait up." Astrid called after Wura who was about to mount her bike.

She stretched a white cellophane bag towards her and Wura stared at her questioningly.

"It's grilled turkey and yam," Astrid explained, "got it earlier today. Take it, I know how much you love it."

"Astrid-"

"Don't even think of rejecting it or I will follow you home and make sure you collect it."

Seeing how serious Astrid was with the threat, Wura accepted the bag.

"Thanks." She said, refusing to meet Astrid's eye.

"Would you like to go on a stroll with me?" Astrid asked, "The night is still very young."

"No." Wura shook her head, "I'm exhausted, I need to rest."

Astrid studied her for a moment. "We miss you, she said truthfully, "I miss my friend."

Wura looked up, she said nothing but was listening.

"You're hurting and the only way to move on is if you heal. Please."

"I'm fine." Wura's voice was brittle and Astrid sighed.

"You can't put up that façade for me, boo." Astrid forced a smile, "But anytime you need me and you want to talk about it, ring me a bell. I'm still your friend."

Astrid watched as Wura drove away and she couldn't help but feel concerned for her friend. The incident had changed her so much that she could only hope she becomes better someday.

Astrid pushed her hands in her pockets as she stared at the sky now dotted with twinkling stars and sighed. The night was still young and she was already bored.

Her phone vibrated, afterwards beeping, indicating a message and she took out the phone. She glanced at the screen, before reading the message.

'Can we talk? I'm at our usual spot.'

It was from her sister, Harnet , which made her to roll her eyes in slight annoyance. But since she had time to kill anyways, she replied.

'On my way. Be there in 20 minutes.'

Tucking the phone into her pocket while taking out her car key from the other, she strode to where her Ferrari Portofino was parked and drove off.

Their usual spot was a restaurant with a roof deck also where they usually sat.

"Why, Hello Harnet." Astrid's smile was plastic as she sat.

Her sister's smile was more genuine. "Good evening Astrid, thank you for coming."

"Of course," Astrid tapped the table top with her fingers, "You look well, how's your husband?"

"He's fine, and he sends his regards." Harnet picked up the menu, "What would you like to eat?"

"I'm not hungry."

"Oh, How about we just get smoothies?" Harnet asked again.

"Sure, whatever." Astrid focused on the sky.

Harnet called on the waiter who came back few minutes after with the smoothies.

"So, how are you?" Harnet asked after taking a sip.

"I'm fine, as you can see." Astrid drew circles on the table with her finger, "How's your Mum and our Dad?"

Harnet sighed, "Astrid, he cares about you."

Astrid chuckled in disbelief, "the day Father starts caring about me, rabbits will grow wings and fly."

"Don't say that, he -"

"He's ashamed of me. He doesn't want me in his life. Your family despise me." Astrid locked eye contact with Harnet.

"Astrid you're my sister and I would never be ashamed or hate you." Harnet reached for her hand across the table.

"Half." Astrid corrected, "Your mother made that clear." She withdrew her hand from Harnet's touch.

"Mum doesn't want to accept the fact that ..." Harnet paused, thinking of the right words to say.

"That her loving husband had an affair twenty six years ago with a Korean air hostess and it resulted to me." Astrid took a sip, "like it's my fault I'm illegitimate."

Harnet refused to meet her eyes.

"I know he sent you," Astrid stated, "What did he say?"

Harnet took a deep breath before she spoke, "He's planning to buy a hospital in London and he wants you to supervise it."

Silence stretched into several minutes as it took time for Astrid to process those words.

"So he wants me to return to London in his interest, not mine?" Astrid asked slowly.

"Astrid you're a medical doctor. You're twenty five and you need to start thinking of your future. Besides, I agree with Dad on this one, you'll be much of a use over there than here. Please."

Astrid had to tilt her head backwards as she mouthed a wow. Her father was truly a clown.

"And if I say no?" Astrid raised a brow.

"What have you been doing in Nigeria since you arrived?"

Astrid bit her inner cheek. She couldn't tell Harnet she was working for a spy organization, so she paraphrased her words, "I'm doing what makes me happy."

"Which is?"

"You don't have to know everything about me." She snapped at her. Her patience was hanging on a thin line. "And tell Dad I'm an adult. I've stayed away from your family all my life and I've maintained a low profile. I'm not leaving Nigeria and that's my final say."

Grabbing her cup of smoothie, she walked out on a speechless Harnet.

Sipping her smoothie in her car, she replayed the whole conversion in her head. Her father had the effrontery after what he did.

Driven by anger, she hit the middle of the steering wheel which resulted to a sharp honk.

All she ever wanted was a Father who loved and cared about her existence, not someone who only sent money every other day. Since her childhood days, Astrid had never set eyes on her biological Father. She saw his pictures either on social media, television or newspapers.

It was his money she used in buying her Ferrari Portofino because the money kept on piling in her bank account.

She came to Nigeria a year ago after bagging a degree and license in medicine with the hope of finally seeing her father and the optimism that he would be proud of her. But unfortunately, her step mother made it clear that she wasn't needed
She treated her like she was a
terminal disease.

She was the blemish in their family, the outcast and the mistake.

Astrid noticed the black vehicle trailing after her as she drove and she kept an eye on it.

At first she didn't realize, but later on, she noticed it wasn't overtaking her, even when it had the chance to.

Her eyes narrowed as she studied the vehicle through the mirror, a black jeep, which she knew wasn't following her with good intentions.

Her brain began to calculate. She couldn't drive straight home because that would be a dangerous and stupid thing to do.

So she veered to a narrow road on the left and sure enough, the jeep did the same. She did a clean sweep of where she was. Bushes, left, right and ahead. She stopped the car and patted her blazer pockets where she kept her pistols, Tai and Keh, short forms for Taiwo and Kehinde.

She stepped out, Ignoring the black jeep and she strode over to the trunk of her car. She lifted it up and pretended to check something, with the aid of her phone's flashlight.

Her ears picked up the slamming of door, the occupants of the black jeep had come down. The next thing she heard were two clicks. They were pointing guns at her.

With a swift motion, she let her phone fall into the trunk as she pulled out her pistols and spun aiming at two people, men she could tell.

The clouds obstructing the moon drifted away and she could see clearly. Black ski masks hindered her from seeing their full faces and they wore matching black outfits as they each pointed guns at her.

For a minute nothing happened. Then she heard the slamming of another door and someone approached.

From the person's silhouette, it was a female who also had on a ski mask.

"Astrid Baek." She said. Her voice reminded Astrid of a broken piece of bottle, sharp yet smooth.

"Who are you?"

"That depends on you hon, I could be your friend or your enemy, but I'll choose the former if I were you."

"What do you want?" Astrid questioned.

"To chit chat of course, like two sensible women." She shrugged, "put down the gun, we're not here to kill you."

"I won't unless you call off your boys." Astrid challenged.

She snapped her fingers and their hands lowered with their guns.

Astrid did the same, although she was on alert, should the unexpected happen.

"You should start talking, I have somewhere to be." Astrid told her.

"I know you're after Dahlia Kagabel's Gothium bullets. If I were you, I'll leave it alone."

Astrid's heart skipped a beat. Who was this lady?

"How do you know that, if I may ask?"

"The walls have ears hon," she chuckled.

"And who sent you? Why do you want me to leave it alone? The last time I checked, I don't take orders from you."

"I want it," her voice was low, "I always get what I want, and if you persist, you will die."

The way she said the words sent a shiver through Astrid's spine. This was going to be a big difficulty.

"I'll leave you to think about it and I hope you make the right choice hon."

Astrid waited until the jeep drove away, before hurriedly picking up her phone and dialing Aminat's number.

"Hello," she said after Aminat picked the call, "We have a
problem." She shut down the trunk with a slam.

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Glossary

1) Oyinbo : Nigerian term for all white people.