Sorry for the late post. My mother travelled and I've been so damn busy with the provision store and the rest.

All the chores of motherhood has been on my head! 😂

I'm always too tired to type!

I promised to post last night but I didn't, e get why; it rained last night and we all know the relationship between Nepa light and rain in Nigeria 🙄😂

Vote 🌟 and Enjoy

Chapter 44

Unedited

Chizoba anxiously walked into Morenike's office dressed in a purple skirt and white shirt. Ever since she got a message from Morenike on her phone, she has been nervous with all manner of thoughts crossing through her mind. 

Could she be in trouble? Morenike has never ever called her! She didn't even know the woman had her number sef! Morenike quietly peered at her, the look almost made her bladder go weak!

She inhaled and exhaled deeply before saying, "Good morning Ma" her voice came out croaked so she cleared it. See what over anxiety can cause! Na wa oh! "Good morning, have your seat"

Chizoba sat down, "What's your name again?"  Seriously Ma? I've been your daughter's friend since secondary school, you're kidding right? She thought within and Morenike blinked her eyes.

"I asked a question"

"Chizoba"

"Now I remember why I forgot"  She replied while Chizoba wondered what she meant by that. "I was shocked when I saw your text" "I was shocked that I even had your number. I needed someone I could talk to about my daughter. My children won't even talk to me"

Whose fault is that? She asked within but physically, all she could do was fake a smile.

"Then I thought, who better than Tacha's friend but then I thought..... Tacha doesn't have much friends, I don't even know her friends, but I remember one particular time you two went out together and I got your number and saved it as Natacha's friend. Your name pops in and out of my head. Its not a common Ibo name, you hear of Chinyere, Chinwe,not Chizoba"

"Oh. I hope there's no problem Ma?"

"Are you also into drugs?" She asked and Chizoba scoffed, "Pardon?" Chizoba raised her brow feeling insulted. "Its a question, there's no need to pick offense"

"Pick offense? Ma'am, with all die respect, what you're trying to assume is that I probably led her into drugs and no! I don't do drugs, I didn't even know when she started the habit, I mean she wasnt living under me!" She snapped looking away and Morenike nodded, it was a direct dig at her.

"Point noted. What's going on with Tacha? You're her friend, you must know all about her?"

"You're her mother"

"Name your price, I'll give you whatever you want if you can tell me everything"

Chizoba scoffed, "That's what matters to you right? You feel because you have the money you can control your everyone's life, control what they do, how they act, what they study and who they marry. Well, newsflash Ma, I'm not like that, you think you can buy me,no, you're the one sponsoring me, even if you were, everyone deserves to know the truth and you Ma, you're most annoying person I've ever met in my entire life! Ever since secondary school I've always wanted to strangle you on behalf of Tacha so she can at least make her own choice and not choose Law like you intended for her." She replied fuming then she bowed her head.

"With all due respect Ma" she added and Morenike nodded in understanding, "I'm sorry" "Its okay, you're right, everyone deserves to know the truth, these days, I've been open to listening to them, even when they're rude"

Chizoba's eyes widened in shock! Did that just come out of her lips? WTF! She said within then she reached out for her phone from her bag, she lowered her head swiping over to the recorder then she pressed start.

There was no way she was going to let another sweet response from her go to a waste!

"Tacha needed to make her own choice"

"So you're in support of her career, dancing naked in front of cameras"

Chizoba nodded. "As long as it makes her happy, why not? Tacha is one of the saddest person I've ever met, her life is a tragedy, she goes to work everyday to please you buy deep within she wants to escape. The only time she smiles is when she's dancing or when she's talking about her boyfriend whom you hate"

Morenike blinked her tears, "Everything I try to do is not because of wickedness. I care about my children, I love them so much. I'm used to the controlling part of parenting, I was trained to believe I know what's good for my children.  All I wanted was my children getting married to who I deemed fit for them, I just didn't care to ask them what they want"

"Because you're controlling"

Morenike chuckled in tears then she sniffled wiping them off. I just thought..... Maybe if I try to control them, maybe. .. Maybe if I stay in charge they'll someday come back kneeling to me." "They're not kneeling, Tacha is bent on doing what she wants, all you have to do is support her as a mother"

"So you don't know what's wrong with her?"

"Why don't you ask her personally?"

Morenike scoffed, "She won't want to see me"  "You can stop by at my place after work" Chizoba brougt out a sheet of paper from her bag then she wrote her home address on it.  She passed it to her and Morenike took a quick glance at it. 

"I'm sorry if I've said anything wrong" She apologised and Morenike waved her hands, "It's okay. You're forgiven.Thank you for coming out, you can leave now"

"Okay Ma"  She replied leaving the office and Morenike covered her face with her palm in frustration then she immediately put a call to Aiyi, her sister in law who lives abroad. "Good morning" "It's 5pm here in Los Angeles" "Does it look like I care?"

The caller laughed, "Sister in law abeg, Chill, I'm fifty and I still look 30, careful before you start having wrinkles everywhere"  "Any information on what I asked for" "I was even about to call you about it" "And?"

"The clothes are not originally Vera Wang, its just some fake look alike, probably some bitch doing all these fake Lagos life to just get money from the poor designer, to think that she wanted to get 2 million naira for a cloth that cost less. Mehn, the hustle is real over there!" She laughed and Morenike grinned.

"Thank you"

"Wait, what? Did you just say thank you or I have boiling water in my ears?"   "I'm not saying it twice" "Whatever. Its the least I can do, I mean my family owe a lot to you right?" 

"Good day"

"Just put your stupid pride down and let me brother back into the house"

Morenike scoffed, "I didn't chase him out, he left at his will" "But it's still your fault, just saying, I mean you made that man miserable, all those smiling and suffering. I'm younger than you are but I also have a family here, we fight but we make up. That's the essence of being family, make up with your children, call Brother Osifo back, you two kiss and have make up sex"

"Urgh!" Morenike groaned, "Don't be such a virgin! Put on, some romantic dinner,"

"You don't mean it" she replied sarcastically, "Yes, and some scented candles," "Am I organising a ritual?" "Babe its more than a ritual, it's a sexual ritual, you're going to be killing him with love!  Flowers everywhere, works every damn time with my husband. Trust me, even with three kids, it spices up the relationship. You just have to shake off the rigidity and be more flexible"

"Good night" Morenike chipped in and she chuckled.

"Good night Morenike, enjoy the rest of the day in Nigeria" she replied and Morenike ended the call  smiling not from the conversation with her sister In law but because she has found a breakthrough in Venessa's case.

Club High

Madam Davina walked into the studio and Ochuko walled towards her, "Good morning Madam Dee. The Boss being dey ask of you" "Really? Where is he?" "In his office, he's with someone" "Who?" "KC"

She scoffed walking away and a call came in from Mathias, "Good morning Love" he greeted and a smile curled her lips. "Good morning" "Are you familiar with Falade estate?" "Yes" "I know I'll be asking for too much but.... Can you please come over?"

"I just arrived work and I'm late"

"I meant in the evening, not now"

"I'll be there in an hour or two"

"Uyi, you know very well that I'm not scared for life. I don't want you getting into trouble with your husband" "I won't. I don't want to stay a day without seeing your face, I'll be there" she replied turning towards Ochuko then she walked up to him.

"I'm leaving"

"You just come now"

"Tell Dickson I had something important to attend to" "Madam Dee, Boss don't dey para on top your scarcity, na man shey?" He asked and Madam Davina scoffed. "How dare you Ochuko? The two of us don dey follow share skirt?" She snapped and he exhaled.

"No vex for the disrespect but from the call way you just make and the way you dey smile. I no need native doctor to tell me wetin dey manya you. The question na wetin the Boss go do you if he find out. I for like make you dey careful, you smart pass this one, I no like wake up one day hear say you don't die and them no know how e happen cause na so the news go be"

Madam Davina folded her hands, "You're Dickson's pal, how am I sure you won't go spilling shit behind my back?" "Calm down, i no go snitch, just take wetin I talk" he advised leaving and she walked towards her husband's office.

Kelechi walked into Dickson's office, "Uncle, you asked for me" "Have your seat" Dickson requested and Kelechi hesitated, "I think I'm comfortable standing" He replied and Dickson brought out a gun. "Seat before you use you as a scape goat" he threatened and Kelechi did trembling then he raised his hands.

"See, i haven't done anything wrong, I swear to God, I swear on my father's grave, I haven't done anything wrong. Boss, I'm ever loyal"

"You brought a girl to a mission ground"

Kelechi shut his eyes, damn you Mouse! He said within.

His lips moved but he couldn't make out what he wanted to say, if he gives any wrong response, his uncle might just shoot him in the arm or something worst! "Wetin be her name?" "Tacha"

"Boss.... Its not what it seems. We can trust this babe, she can't be working with the police, I mean this babe does drugs, personally I've delivered drugs to her" "What then was she doing in a rehabilitation home?"

"Boss ..... She took the drugs yesterday in my presence. This babe can't be lying" "Don't be fooled KC, she might just be working with the police" "I doubt that"

"Mouse already has his eyes on you. Why don't we test her?"

"How?"

Kelechi opened the door for Tacha and she quietly  walked in. "Are you sure its okay being here?" She asked, "I won't want to put you in trouble" "It's fine" he replied looking into her eyes and she shrugged. "What's going on?" She asked and he shook his head.

"Nothing"

"Are you sure?" She asked and he hesitated, "It's just that..." He trailed off not sure whether to trust her enough to let her know what's going on. Suddenly he shook his head, "Nothing" he replied but she knew he was definitely keeping something away from her.

If she wasn't going on get it from him willingly, she might just have to use her feminine charms. She wrapped her hands across his neck then her lips crushed against his. She pushed him on the chair mounting on him then she lowered her head at him.

"Are you sure there's nothing?"

Kelechi groaned, "You're not supposed to know this.... What were you doing in a rehabilitation centre earlier on?" He asked and Tacha feigned offended, "Are you following me?" "No I'm not.... I'm serious, I'm not. My uncle.... My uncle told me" "Your uncle? Really KC, that's the sickest lie I've ever heard"

"My Uncle is one the major drug dealers here in Lagos, he runs the club"

"How then did he find out about me?'

"Mouse told him, there's a reason he's called mouse, he's a snitch and doesn't know shit about being discreet. They had you followed and.... What were you doing there?" "Well i have a friend who works there. Why.... Why are you doubting me?" Dge decided to play the victim.

"Are you off drugs?"

"No. Didn't you see me the last time? Do you want me to try more for you to trust me?" She asked and his hands rest below her waist. "No" he replied kissing her on the lips then he kissed her napes and she cringed her entire face thinking of how she can escape the moment.

"You what? I don't feel comfortable any longer, are you sure I'm not being watched right now?"

"You're not"

Tacha pouted, "You don't trust me, its so obvious!" "Babe, I trust you" "No you don't" "There's this deal that'll be  going down in four days from now, it's one of our deals and major clients. I wouldn't be telling you this if I don't trust you. We don't want any screw ups, don't blame them for being vigilant"

She exhaled smiling within. "Doesn't it get scary, this drug thing? It's like watching all this drug cartel movies. Where will it be going down?" She asked and he grinned. "Elliot's warehouse"

Chika knocked half heartedly and Osas opened the door then she hissed walking away. "Okay I deserve that, it was well deserve and I just want to say that I'm sorry." "Since!" "Babe, I've been busy. Like really really busy" "Chika, you no dey try, I sent you some messages"

"Babes, na the hustle dey my mind. The messages I have currently ehn, make I show you? I never even answer some people, na just yesterday night I get chance to view the message. I haven't been this free in a long while. After I did my laundry, i just decide say make I see you since Ejiro na office woman now. Everybody levels down change"

Osas chuckled, "You still never get shop?" "Babes, na why we dey hustle now. Na make the hustle pay naim be our prayer" she replied and Osas gave it a thought. "Wetin you dey think about?" Chika asked and Osas frowned playfully.

"Punishment way I wan give you"

"Your honour, I carry God beg you. Have mercy on me like the Christian sister you are. You sef no try, your brother come Lagos and you no even tell am say you get one single friend like that" "You single?"

"Babes, every girl is single until the guy puts a ring on it"

Osas chuckled. "At least I know how to put a smile on your face.  How far, how you dey?" "I'm fine"  "How the case?" "Still the same" "Wetin be scores?" 

Osas chuckled, "You no well" she replied walking into the sitting room and they both sat on the chair. "Shebi you been no wan buy good luck wig now" "Which kain nonsense good luck wig? We don't have evidence that's the problem" "You know, you should really do like an awareness for this your thing" "This thing is all over the news"

"I'm talking about big time celebrity awareness, babes, you're already a celebrity in your own way. Have you checked your followers on Instagram?" She asked and Osas shook her head.

"Are you serious?"

"Na only WhatsApp and Facebook I dey go"

"Babe you have over a thousand followers even me way don dey Instagram since, I never get that kain followers. I'm sure you have a lot of inbox. Thank God we have a whole lot of social media platform Put up a video on Facebook, you tube, open a you tube channel or Instagram, twitter. Create awareness and let everyone know that you are in dire need of something to make sure justice is being served, you know those kinds of things nah, the more people repost and share, you won't even know where you help might come from"

"Wow.... Chika, na the first thing way you don ever talk way make sense be this"  she replied and Chika hissed. "I blame you? Ishi"

Tacha got out of the slum, she waved good bye to KC before driving off. After she had driven far away from the slum, she immediately put a call through to Kubiat. "Good morning" "Good afternoon" "Sorry.... Good afternoon, I'm kind of nervous"

"Why? Are you okay?"

"Yes." She replied looking into her rear mirror. "They're following me" "Who? How?" "They know that I went for therapy today" "What about now?Are they following you?"

Tacha shrugged, "I don't know," "Go back home Tacha, you're not doing this again" "No way! I'm this close" "Tacha" "I'm fine! I said I'm fine!" She snapped then she rolled her eyes. "Osaze won't forgive me if anything" 

"Stop this! Please..."

"I prefer the obedient Tacha more"

"Kubi..."

"I'm just saying my mind, I think its nice you're trying to prove something but still... Anyhow, you can't reach the police station, in case you're still being followed"

"I have information." "Uh.... There's a reason why we have phones, what do you want to say?" "Where's detective Ken?"  She asked and he exhaled. "You can quit and nobody" "Maybe I should just call him personally" she threatened and Kubi made way into Detective Ken's office putting the call on loud speaker.

"Its on loud speaker"

"Who?" Detective Ken mouthed then he heard Tacha's voice. "Good afternoon Detective" "Good afternoon Tacha. Any progress?" "Yes. The deal will be going down in four days time, at Elliot's warehouse"

Kubiat scoffed, "How do you know? Did you over hear it?" "He told me" "Ah I see, so he just happened to reveal it to you. Just like that" "Yes" "Did you have sex with him?" "No! That's...." "That's the only thing that can make a man"

"Well I'm a woman, I played the victim card on him, I acted like I was angry he didn't trust me and he let me into that information. Dickson is his Uncle, I don't think he's lying"

Detective Ken nodded, "I don't doubt the power of a woman" "She's been followed, it might just be a lie" 
Kubiat replied and Ken raised his brow in surprise, "She said so?" "Yes. I'm being followed but trust me on this one. You've been on this case all through the year, this might just be the big break you need" she begged, "She has a point" 

Kubiat kept quiet.

"Good job Tacha and stay safe"

Tacha smiled, it was the first time anyone had made comment on her actions apart from dancing. "Thank you." She replied hanging up.

Kubiat placed her hands on the desk, "I think it's a trap or a diversion away from the actual place" "I know, I had doubts about her. She's willing to do this, why not give her the benefit of doubt? Life's a risk, we just have to take it, the reason why you haven't gotten far is because you're too nice and you don't take risk" He asked and Kubiat scoffed, "In order words, I could have risked Tacha's life that day to catch the criminal"

"I didn't say so"

"But you meant it! You're saying this because you dont know her, she's just bait to you, but she's like a sister to me" he snapped leaving the office.

Tacha answered a call from Chike, "Hey Baby" he replied laughing and she smiled, "Hey Boo" you're in a good mood" "Are you free to have lunch with me? I have good news."
"I can't come" "Why?" "I'm being followed, one of these guy had me reported because  KC invited me into his forbidden place. Your father had me followed, now I don't know if my steps are being watched. I just have to be careful, I'm sorry."

"This is looking dangerous, if my father... I mean Dickson finds out about this.... He's going to harm you. You should just stop this" "I'm fine, that's why I'm taking precaution, I just can't be seen with you yet. Maybe after I'm done being the heroine in this movie, we can have a time out, take a vacation, talk about our future, talk about how much you're going to pay me for being a video vixen on your music video" she teased and he kept quiet.

"What was it you wanted to tell me?"

"Forget about it"

"Boo boo"

Chike hung up and she shut her eyes dropping her phone on her lap.

Chike immediately puts a call through to Yemi and she chuckled on picking the call. "Just the person I was thinking of" "Lies" "Mayorkun just posted a picture of the both of you on Instagram with the caption, something cooking."

"Wow"

"Yes. Why did you call?" "Are you free?" "Yeah why?" "Remember those conversations we used to have then? I could really use a female friend right now"  

"Are you okay? I have a show but I can have Tade take over for me. Where are you?"

Tacha sat up in bed leaning against the wall with two earpiece stucked in her ears, she was listening to one of those Sam smith sad music when Chizoba ran past her into the bathroom. She got out shortly exhaling loudly and Tacha took the earpiece out. "I was so pressed, I think I damaged my bladder already."  "I was scared, I almost ran"

Chizoba laughed, "Aren't you wonder woman again?" "Why are you back from work so early?" "Babes, I couldn't take the pee to work" "You couldn't find one bank or shopping mall to urinate?" "Be questioning me there. How far? Aren't you going out to see Chike? Did you see Mayorkun's post on Instagram?"  "No, maybe that was what he wanted to say..... I haven't even been on Instagram, I'm really not in the mood"   "What happened this time? Mommy, your brother, your sister or Chike?"

"I'm being followed by one of these drug guys, Chike called for lunch and I said no to him. I can't afford to be found with him. He seemed hurt"

Chizoba scoffed, "Are you sure you love this guy?" She asked and Tacha shot a glare at her, "Is that a question? You know I do" "In the past few months of dating this guy, you've hurt him like three times or is it four, I think we've even lost count?  " Stop it!" "I'm serious! You have to be decisive here, this guy is at this great point in his career, you can't just give giving him emotional break down, it's not fair!"    

"Do you think it makes me happy to see him sad? No! I'm even depressed and I know its not healthy at all but I can't help it! I just want everyone to be more understanding about my decision to do this right thing" "I say this one behalf of myself snd the entire Nigerians, Babe, you're not the smartest girl ever, permit us to be scared you'll fuck up"

Tacha rolled her eyes, "Let's change the topic" "Tach.." "Please, please. ...." "Anyhow, well I have hot gist, fresh from the stove! Guess who called me over to her office this morning? You won't believe it" she asked and Tacha racked her brains in thought.

"Who?"

"At least guess now"

"Are you going to tell me or not?"

Chizoba exhaled, "Your Mom. I had to go to her office" "For what? She wants you to send me out, is that it?" "No. She knows you were doing drugs; I'm not even sure whether to use past or present tense. She was really concerned" "It's a lie. I'm sure she only wanted to know if I was doing well without her it not"

"She wanted to pay me so I could tell her the truth about you."

Tacha raised her brow at her, "What did you choose?"  "I said some nasty things to her  and.....your Mom cried, literally! Its unbelievable but it happened, she said some things.... You know I even had our conversation recorded. She sounded to different and regretful"

"Mom?"

Chizoba brought out her phone, "Yes. I'm dead serious, I've never seen your mom that way ever!"  She replied then played the five minutes recording.  "Maybe she's over did it but I think your Mom is starting to entertain regret'" "Which is good because it only means Dr. joke's plans are coming through."

"What plan?" She asked and Tacha grinned.

A week ago

Tacha took a seat in Dr. Joke's office, "Good morning Ma" "Good morning Love, how do you feel today?" "Awful" "Well.... You're supposed to feel the way, it's not easy to let go of drugs" "Not that" "What then?"

"I want to go back home" "Why?"

"I feel bad for Mom. The way I spoke to her during dinner, I'm sure she must have felt awful, judging from the fact she's all alone. I just want to go back and just be with her, Mom doesn't like being alone, that's a fact even she can't deny"

Dr Joke nodded. "I know,but what if you move out to pursue your dance career or you get married, she'll still be alone?" "I can't stay mad at Mom for too long, I have a weak spot for her. I don't know how Vera and Osaze do it but I can't."

"Are you going to let her know about the drugs and pregnancy?" She asked and Tacha shrugged, "You can't forgive Morenike yet"

"Why?"

"Growing up..... Your Mom had this controlling father, your grandfather was a control freak, permit me to use the word asshole, well just like her. Your mother didn't have it easy growing up, her choices were Influenced until he died.  I've always told your Mom that one day she's going to be mentally damaged as a result of her obedience and I'm going to be the one trying to save her. I said that when I was 20 years old, I'm only trying to help a friend here. When she feels she has someone she can hold on to, she's not going to change. I want your Mom to be completely alone, call it an experiment. Make her feel like she's the worst person in the world, make her realize she has been wrong or else, the Morenike I've known all my life will remain the same bitch. She'll never accept your choices in life!  I'm going to call your Mom to come and when she does, you're going to say the meanest things to her."

Tacha shut her eyes, "Ma" "Call it an experiment, if it doesn't work, you can then do whatever you want"  "Nana won't leave her alone" "I might have to talk to Nana then"

Morenike stepped into Dr. Joke's office afterwards, "You were supposed to knock"  "There was no one in seat to tell me not to go in, besides, you caller me to come, I didn't know you had a client" "I do and as you can see..... I'm busy with her"

"I'll leave" Tacha said rising up, "You don't have to" "I'll guess I'll stop by tomorrow Ma"

"No problem dear"

"Tacha" Morenike called out and she rolled her eyes, "Mom, I'm really not in the mood to speak to you" "I think we need to clear some things out, I need to talk to you about some certain things" "Or lie to me about them, isn't that what you do best? You know what Mom? I've spent years believing all you say, trying to make you happy when I should have made myself happy. When Osaze and Vera turned their backs against you, I didn't. I stood by you, I was ready to bring us back together but now, I realize they're right. You're not worth our love, you don't love us because you're selfish,that's what you are mom, I've been blind for years but now I realize it"  Tacha confessed in tears walking out of the office while Morenike slowly moved to take her seat on the chair.

"Oh my God, oh my God" she cried covering her face. "What have I done to deserve this?" "I've always said you're going to use your hands to destroy your own family and that's what is happening now, it's the peak of my prophecy. Soon you're going to be alone"

"Nana won't leave me, she can't leave me alone"

"For how long? Till when?"

Now

Evening

Morenike walked into Chizoba's  room and Chizoba got out leaving her alone with Tacha.  "Good evening Mom" "Drugs? Really Tacha?" She began and Tacha folded her hands rising up. "Whose fault is it? The person who advertised the drugs said it was going to be an escape from misery and trust me you were my misery and I needed that escape badly. It made me feel okay, the truth is I still feel the need to have it but I'm trying to get my life back and I don't want you back in it making me miserable again"

Morenike blinked her eyes, "I thought you would being a lawyer will suit you, so you want to dance? Is that what you really want?" She asked with so much irritation, she couldn't even conceal it. "Mom!"

"Forgive me if I find it hard to accept the fact my daughter wants to dance as a career!" She snapped in tears.  "It's my choice, not yours"

"Okay...... You made a fool of me, you could have told me"

"You would have shut down the dream even before it started! I couldn't, I was scared, I was scared of you Mom" she revealed and it took her down memory lane how she was always scared of what her father's actions and reactions will be.

"I never wanted Law too" she revealed, "I never wanted it but Dad forced me" "What?" Tacha asked in shock, " I grew to love it, I just thought you will too!" She wiped her nose. "I've been using Dad's parenting style" she scoffed turning backwards.

She sniffled then she turned towards her, "Okay.... At least if you're going to be dancing, you'll at least do it the right way with the best school abroad." "What?" Tacha asked in shock.

"Where do you want it, you can't do it with the pregnancy right? You'll need an abortion" 

Tacha scoffed, even though she also wanted the baby gone, the thought that her mother's motive was only to make her get rid of a child she thinks belongs to Chike made her angry! 

How did she even get to know about it?

"I think you should leave"

"Tacha.... It's for your good, you can't have that child, that's your brother and sister in law's niece and nephew you're carrying! Does it look like I fucking care? Mom, leave this room before i lose my cool, please!"

Osas sat on a chair writing on the surface of Osaze's reading table. He got out of the bathroom in a singlet and boxer while wiping his head with a towel. She was making a list of possible things she would like to do.

"What are you doing?" He moved close and she squeezed the paper. "Amebo, mind your business" she snapped making him laugh. "What's that?" "Love letter" she replied and he laughed harder.

"Are we keeping secrets now?" He asked and she instantly felt bad because she was still hiding the whole Tacha secret!

"Are you making one of your to-do-list?" He asked and she smiled in acceptance.

"I knew it!"

"How much does renting a shop cost?"

"Do you want to start selling Agbo?" He asked, she glared at him then she laughed afterwards. "No. It's for Chika, she doesn't have a shop and I want to do something for her"

Osaze smiled. "Our foundation can help her" "How?" "There's this programme we have to help small scale business, we haven't done it in a while , I'll talk to Obianuju about it" "I don't want it to be on you. There are a lot of people I just want to bless for being in my life."

"It's not on me, it's on the foundation. Besides, it'll go on our annual magazine and newspapers. Such portfolios are good for business" he replied and he smiled.

"Have you seen the video I posted on Facebook?"

Morenike sat mediating in her study room poured herself a drink then she gulped it all, loneliness was slowly eating her up. The house felt empty without the woman she has grown up with; Nana. She missed her so much, what she'll do right now to hear her nag. 

She busted into tears and get phone rang, she took a glance at the caller's ID and her eyes widened in shock. Could she be dreaming or Nana just called her? She picked up the call smiling. "Good evening Nana" she greeted and Nana's heart melted on hearing her voice.

"Good evening. I finally saw your missed calls" she added, "I left you hundreds of it" "Just thirty, I was kukuma waiting for it to be hundred before picking up'

"What changed your mind?"

"I just pitied you"

Morenike cried, "Thank you for pitying me" she answered, "God I've missed your voice! I miss your nagging, when are you coming back ?" "I don't know. I don't think I'm ever coming back"  "Don't say that, please. Who's going to talk sense to me?" "All the sense I've been talking since all this years, which one have you listened to ehn Morenike? Which one?"

"Mom, I promise I'm going to start listening. I've been a bad child and right now I'm in the dark, if only there can be someone to shed a light to my path."

Nana hissed,  "The fact you called me Mom is not going to make me change my mind like that"  "I'm not saying it to make you change your mind, I'm saying it because it's what I should have done years ago and I'm just realizing it now. Mo ti se yin (I've wronged you), you've endured my excesses more than my own mother did. If there's anyone that deserves to be called a mother, it's you. I've wronged you, my children should have called you Grandma instead" she sniffled sobbing.

Nana cried quietly, "Stop crying Morenike, it's not good for your health. Have you eaten?" "I really didn't have the appetite, Mom I've missed you so so much. I have a lot I want to talk to you about. Can you come back?" "No. I'm sorry but no."

Morenike sniffle wiping the driping water off her nose, "Can I at least call back and tell you on phone. I don't have much people to talk to lately." "Okay" "Promise you'll pick when I call?" "I promise"

A week ago

Nana walked into Dr. Joke's office, "Adejoke" she called out and she rose up slightly bending her knees. "Good afternoon Ma" "Good afternoon, how are you?" "I'm fine Ma and you?" "As you can see.... Awon omo nko?( How are the children?)"

"Wo wa ma (They're fine)"

"I'm glad. Tacha told me you wanted to see me"

"Yes I did, please have your seat Ma"

Nana sat down and she exhaled, "What is it you want to talk about?" "Morenike"

The next day

Morenike watched Osas' video on Facebook, "I am employing to all Nigerians, all my Benin folks, na your girl be this, Warri, I need una support, Lagos, mo fi Olorun Oba be yin (I plead in the name of God). I am not just bringing a case to ruin or spoil Chief Akinola Bello's image, no. Everyone that has been a victim to that man should know already that I'm saying the truth. If you have something that can help, please help a girl out"

Chika immediately entered into the video, "You can also help my girl my reposting the video and tagging as much people, until it reaches whomever is concern. She needs your help don't forget to use the ashtag justice for Osas, ashtag say no to ritualism, justice for Adetutu, jail term for Chief Akinola. Thank you"

Morenike jolted out of her thoughts when her secretary knocked on the door. "The meeting Ma, they're all here" she replied and she gave a nod rising up while the secretary accompanied her into the board room where everyone was already seated including Venessa Adeferanti, the plaintiff, social media influencet, Felicia Jones, her husband and her lawyer.

She walked in taking her seat, "We may begin" she said and Felecia scoffed, "Without an apology? We won't start without an apology from you Ma'am, I'm a social media influencer, a brand ambassador for Sweet CLaire cream,a model on the run way, you can't be wasting my time, I have important things to do" she replied and Morenike sniggered. The meeting was scheduled for 9 and this is..." Morenike looked at the wall clock. "Nine on the dot, there will be no apology and the meeting will continue as schedule and you Miss Felecia will be seated will it goes on"

"Mrs Felecia"

Her Lawyers rose up, "We are suing your client here" he pointed to Venessa for ruining my Client's wedding dress, an original Vera Wang dress, just a day before her wedding day.  We therefore demands a sum of 20 million naira"

"No more, no less" Felecia chipped in and Venessa exhaled.

"Are you done?" Morenike asked the lawyer and he nodded taking his seat

"Well.... First, my client is not paying that much money for three reasons"

"What part of no more, no less didn't you understand?" Felicia asked, she was beginning to get on Morenike's nerves. "Whether you're a social Media influencer or not, I don't care, when you're in my kingdom, you submit to my authority, you think you're a bitch, well I've often been accused of being a bigger bitch so you'll sit there shut your damn mouth and listen to me speak"

Felicia mellowed mumuring some inaudible words to herself, "As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, for three reasons, one, the so called dress was not originally made by Vera Wang"

"That's a lie, where's the proof"

"I already made my investigation, and a police interogation conducted"

A lady walked in bowing her head and Felecia immediately became uncomfortable, "Miss Adeferanti, are you familiar with the lady here?" She asked and Venessa nodded. "She's my personelle"

"Miss Felecia, are you familiar with"

"What the fuck is going on here?"

"Like i said, it's my damn kingdom, my court of law and I'm judging this case. Miss Felecia, you paid this young lady  to stain the dress, yes or no?" She asked and Felecia kept mute.

"You faked the whole thing yet you had the nerves to ruin my client's image. For this, we're demanding a sum for damages you've done on social media, an open apology for ruining her name, call it a misunderstanding, a mistake from your end and we don't have to tell the tabloids that your dress wasn't a Vera Wang dress and that you had to pay to ruin her image, we won't even press charges"  Morenike explained now looking at Venessa, "Is that fine with you Miss Adeferanti?"

"I don't want her image ruined but I want that apology on all social media"  she replied and Morenike had the document passed to the lawyer.

Felicia looked at her husband who was already embarrassed from the whole show. "I can't believe this" "Babe I can explain" "How much to cover the whole thing, I don't want this getting to the ears of the public?"

Morenike smirked.

After the board meeting Venessa stayed behind with Morenike, she couldn't thank her enough. "How much for the service Ma'am" "I won't take a dime for it" "Why?" "Don't insist, I love money too much, I always believed money solves everything and everything revolves around money. Keep the money, take care of your family"

"But you conducted investigations.... Your own money...."

"It doesn't matter"

"You're a good woman" "I am not!" She snapped angrily, "Sorry but I am not, don't be deceived by this..... this...  My children have all ran away from me, I'm alone as it is. So I'm not good, I'm the worst"

Venessa hugged her, "I don't know care what you've done, let me be the first person to say it then, you're a good woman and you can be better" she moved back in tears. "I can't thank you enough Ma, Feran fashion house owe you one. Anything you want, call me up for wedding dress, whatever services you want, I'll help you, no charges"

"Thank you"

"No, thank you Ma"  she replied then she left afterwards and Morenike's phone rang. She answered a call from general with a smile on her face. "That's very quick even for you" "I don't have information on the important one yet, I'm yet to crack into it but be greatly assured that I'll break into it before next week. Although I have information pertaining to this Olumide Sesan, he has been missing, no one knows where he is"

"Perhaps he went off grid with his two million naira"

"He must be heartless then to leave without his girlfriend or should i say fiancee? They were practically living as married couples, Lagos style but the mother disagrees of the marriage. If you ask me, I don't think the guy is cruising in any state with the two million naira, why will his phone number be switched off? They saw the girlfriend leave at night with the boyfriend, she came in alone the next morning to get his laptop and since then no one has been able to reach the girlfriend's phone number and the girl is her parent's house. NEPA can't be that heartless, the girl is definitely switching off her phone for a reason. She's in her parent's house and she has been indoors"

"How do you know?"

He laughed boastingly, "You know how i love personal investigation." "I thought you were in Abuja" "I was around the street and yes i make sure i do my job well. That's what I get paid for"

Morenike chuckled,  "That's why i trust in you to deliver in the other aspect" "I certainly will but, these are very dangerous people oh" "Just do your job General" "Yes Ma'am"

"I'll love to get the address of the girlfriend"

"I'll send it to you. Lest I forget, you look too serious on that white and black gown, why not try something more colourful?" He asked and she laughed, moved closer to.thw window then she looked out of it.

"Where are you?"

"I won't tell. I would have said greetings to the family but the last time I checked, you don't have any" "Ouch" she replied and he laughed, "I learned you sent your husband packing"

"Unlike you General, i think you got that part of the information wrongly" "I never get any information wrongly, you sent him packing and by you, I meant your character problem"

"I don't have character problems"

"Are you sure Morenike? I heard Nana left too" "Am I seriously paying you to investigate and criticise me ?"  "No, but I try to check up on you once in a while. Your family are not to be blamed for anything that happened that year. Family is key, don't ever forget that. Have a nice day old friend" he snapped hanging up and she shut her eyes.

"Urgh! I'm tired of these people, i don't want to cry again, must they make me cry?"

Morenike knocked on Wunmi's door and she opened the door. She immediately shut the door on seeing her and she wondered why. "I suppose your reason for shutting the door is because you know who I am but I don't understand why you're scared" "Please go away I don't want issues"

"What kind of issues, I didn't drive all the way from the island to take no for an answer"

"Please go away!"

"I am not going away until you speak to me"

Wunmi sat on the floor crying, "Please I'm begging you, I promise to keep my mouth shut about what happened, I don't want to die like my Olumide" she replied and Morenike raised her brow in shock. "Olumide is dead?" "Don't pretend you don't know, you were the first person he met so he could get connected to Chief, you sent him, you can't tell you don't know he's dead"

Morenike kept quiet then she leaned her head against the door, "I didn't know" "It's a lie!" "I am not lying! You have to believe me when I say that I didn't know they were going to kill your fiance, I'm totally clueless about it. Olumide came to my office, he made his request, Chief didn't disagree to it, he said he was going to give him the two millionaire and they were supposed to meet up to make the exchange. He told me it was already done" she exhaled and Wunmi felt the sincerity in her tone then she debated within whether to trust her or not.

Morenike heard the door slowly unlock so she moved away from the door.

Wunmi opened the door slightly, "Are you being honest?" She asked and Morenike nodded. "Come in Ma" she replied letting Morenike in then she closed the door. "You said your boyfriend was killed" "Yes, shot to death by Chief" "How are you sure?" "I was there when it all happened, I saw the whole thing, It was by the mercy of God i escaped. If you don't believe it, maybe a video will change you mind"

"You had it on video"

"Yes"

"Where is it?"

"My mom is with my phone, it's been switched off for days now, mom doesn't want me making contacts to anyone yet, she's even planning on sending me off to Ondo state so I can be safe" 

Morenike nodded, "Your mother's right, it's definitely for your safety,did anyone see you?" "My phone rang in the process but no one caught me" she replied and Morenike exhaled, "I learnt you were at your boyfriend's house to get his laptop, do you happen to have the information he wanted to sell to Chief?"

Wunmi nodded, at this point thoughts ran through her mind, she wondered if Morenike was only being nice because she needed to destroy the last evidence or whether she's being genuine. What were even her intentions?

"How am I sure, you won't kill me after seeing it?"

"Why did you open the door for me? Why did you let me in the first place?"

Wunmi cried, "Because you sounded real, I believed you" "If I wanted you dead, I would have done that since, I wouldn't have been here myself, I would have sent thugs to do the job"  "What do you want?" "I want what you have"

"You want to bury the truth right? Make it look like nothing happened, Chief Akinola Bello will roam free even though he's guilty that's the political system right?" She asked wiping her tears but they continued raining down with vigour.  She sniffled and wiped her nose.

  "What I want to do with it is none of your business. I'm willing to help you out, pay you sponsor you to whatever level of education you want. All I ask for is that information"

"I'm not ready to die so, you can have it, i don't care. As usual, the rich and famous politicians get away with the crimes and the poor masses gets trampled on everyday without having anyone to speak up for them,or anyone to stand up for them, even our so called legislature, our so called lawyers are nothing to write home about. What Olumide did was bad, maybe he deserved it a little bit for being greedy but at least, at least he deserves justice, Chief Akinola Bello deserves to be served a pot full of justice for his atrocities"

Court

Day 3

"My name na Akanni Babatunde," "What do you do for a living?" "Me and my Papa dey work as hunter and also vigilante for our community" "Were you on the 23rd of August?" Osaze asked and he nodded, "My Papa and I being say make we go check the trap way we being don set and to hunt join that there we hear people dey waka come, me and my Papa hide for corner na there we see one woman for front and two men for back, them dey point gun for her head"

"Was that you first time encountering such?"

"Yes. We dey always see dead body for ground, sometimes pa pa (even) , na so we go see the men dey run, before we go say make we rub catch them, them go enter car go. That our ground na dumping ground for dead body. As we take see those guys, me and my Baba prepare ourself say today today, them no go escape. For where them tell her say make she knelt down, them come point gun for her head naim me and my Baba fire gun shoot them. Na so we take help that sister for there" he pointed towards Osas.

"How did you find her?"

"Na so so blood cover her cloth,we ask her Wetin happen naims she explain everything give us. My people no be small thing happen for there oh"

Everyone in the court murmured, Osaze smiled within knowing the hunter's testimony was building people's opinion on the previous testimony already made by Osas.

"Order, Order, Order," the Judge yelled in the crowded courtroom. Within several seconds a faint resemblance of order began to reappear.

"Prosecution may proceed " the Judge directed at Osaze, "Thank you Your honour, Mr Akanni, being a native of that community, did the story Osas gave strike to you as familiar? Is it a story you've heard before?"

"Plenty times oh. E get one building like like that, na so girls dey enter but them no dey come out"

"Does the name Oyetunji Lateef ring a bell to you?"

"Yes"

"Is he the owner of the house?"

"Na caretaker we know am as we never ever see the owner before"

Osaze faced the judge, "Your honour, as you can see, this counters the witness Oyetunji Lateef testimony as he claims being the owner of the land, documents were not even provided to back this up, I propose it be struck out of records. Perhaps he has been paid to give a false testimony or he might just be one of the ritualist"

The court room busted into chaotic mumurs and the judge tapped the gavel, "Order!" She yelled and the numurs slowly reduced. "Should I remind you that the court is not a market place and any more rowdiness will not be entertained again." She warned now turning towards the Akanni in the witness stand.

"Mr Akanni, have there been generally reported cases of missing girls in the community"

"Community girls not dey miss, most times na girls from another town" He answered based on his knowledge now turning toward Osaze who wanted to correct him but the judge switched into pidgin, "People from don report case say of say girls don miss before"

"Yes"

"And you never did anything to stop these people, that's heartless, it doesn't make you guy different from these cruel people"

Akanni exhaled, "No be say we for no like talk but we get rules, no be everything way we see we dey talk. Some people don report but police no dey do anything. And some girls no dey hear word, no be every where way we hear say money dey you go run go. Fly way no wan hear word go follow enter grave, na grave all of them don enter so. We know say we don do bad but make we dey try advise girls the more, if no be say this Osas carry good head and God dey with her, she for don die but me and my Papa don come out to come testify because we believe say na from her God wan use disgrace some people"

"Amen!" Omo yelled looking away.

Osaze smiled, the impression had already been conveyed to the jury!  "No further question for this witness Your honour, the prosecution rest at this time"

Morenike rose up, "Your honour, I'll like to cross examine the witness" "Proceed" Justice Lateefa permitted and she walked close to the witness stand. "Mr Akanni, have you ever been close to the building?" "No"  "You said you're familiar with the name Oyetunji Lateef" "Yes Ma" "And according to what you said and I quote him right, na caretaker we know am as no be owner so, it might just be a presumption among members of the community. How well do you know this Mr Oyetunji Lateef, have you discussed with him in person, how sure are you that he is just a caretaker?"

"I no know, people dey always say na him dey take care of the land for person"

"So you're not sure of his position as caretaker"

Akanni exhaled, "Na wetin people dey always talk" "Your honour," she turned towards the judge, "Mr Oyetunji is indeed the owner of the land and testimony of this witness is constituted with hear say" she paused then she glanced back at him, "Are you familiar with Chief Akinola Bello?"

"For news as politician"

"And you've not heard anyone say anything like he's one of the people using girls for ritual" "No but Osas say..."

"Your honour, from this testimony we can agree Miss Osas went through something in that building, at that very time, Chief Akinola was with his wife at home. How can a man be in two places at a time? However whatever she ....." She turned towards Osas, "Experienced can be ascribed perhaps to those people who rented the building but we can't be certain that Chief Akinola was involved. Defense will rest at this point, I ask that the witness be excused as I bring Mr Victor Chinedu the head chef in the Bello's house to the stand"

The judge called for recess, after much delibration, the case was adjourned till two days later. 

What do you guys think about the update?

What is Morenike up to?

Let's not forget the whole Obianuju teaser from Last week .... We'll be digging into that one soon 😁

Sorry it came late, when Mom gets back from Lagos, I'll do better!