Chapter 12

21st February

Dunni sat quietly in her room. She stared at her phone, with a cigarette in her between her fingers. Timmy has advised her to pick up courage to fix a meeting o discuss with the wife of the deceased but she hasn't been able to.

She sucked a cigarette then puffed up the smoke. She finally dialed the number dropping the phone on the bed, just when she made a self decision to hang up, she heard a voice say, "Hello"

She shut her eyes as her heart beat fast, "Hello, is there anyone there?" The woman asked and she picked up the phone placing it against her ears.

"Am I speaking to Mrs Ekanem?" She asked, "Yes. Is this Doctor Dunni Duncan?" Mrs Ekanem asked on recognizing the voice.

"Yes"

"My doctor!" The woman's voice cane alive, she seemed excited to hear her voice. "How are you?"

"I'm fine Ma, what about you?" "It is well" "Condolence once again"

"Hm! It is well"

"I was hoping we could meet and talk"

"No wahala"

"Will tomorrow be okay?"

"I have work and I arrive by 6, unless you can stop by at that time thereabout. Is it something Important?"

"Yes it is."

"Can't you shift it to another day?"
"The earlier the better Ma"

"Will Tomorrow evening be fine by you?"

"Sure, send an address Ma"

Efe kissed Dara's neck as they both watched a movie in the sitting room. "The movie is not even over yet" she complained and he cupped her chin looking into her eyes then he sighed.

"God you're pretty. I'd rather just watch your beautiful eyes all night" he complimented now planting a kiss on her lips and she kissed him too and he rubbed her arm.

"Um.... Efe, wait" she begged but he continued kissing her, "Efe" she groaned and Odion who was watching the scene from the room entered into the room sitting on the couch with them.

"How far Dara?"

Dara sighed in relief, "Odion, take God!" Efe glared at him, giving him the leave us alone look but he ignored it!

"When the movie start sef? What's the title?"

Efe escorted Dara out after the movie. He glared at Odion on entering into the house. "Dara don go?" "No oh, she go piss for backyard, you no see her bag for where you sit down?" He snapped and Odion laughed.

"Oga calm down, which one come be vex now?"

"Wetin be that rubbish wey you pull? Why will you come in at such time?"

"What time?"

"A romantic time"

"I didn't see anything oh, I just noticed you two were watching a movie and I went in. I never knew I was interrupting anything" he lied and he hissed leaving.

"Oga why you con dey vex?" He asked letting out a loud hiss.

After putting his children to sleep Funsho entered into his room turning on the light switch to find Omotoyosi in bed, she was dressed in a red night gown with a high slit that stopped at her thigh. "Oko mi" she called out and he gasped.

"Jesus! What are you.....How did you get in?"

"Shade opened up for me, I learnt you were putting the kids to bed so I decided to make myself comfortable" she answered now rubbing her hands on her laps, seductively lifting the gown up.

"I know you like what you see"

"And I know you're not going to leave even if I force you to so.... make yourself more comfortable in bed and good night!" He walked out of the room slamming the door against her.

Omotoyosi scoffed then she screamed out in anger. "Ori guy yii, so pe sha? (Is this guy mentally okay?)" She asked then she threw the pillow across the room angrily.

22nd of February

Brenda found herself blushing while she boiler water to prepare tea for Chris that Saturday morning. She had been in Chris' house the whole week.

She couldn't be help thinking of her moments with Chris the previous night; it was their first night making love, she wished the vacation didn't have to end but it was already Saturday and she promised her mother she'll be coming back that day.

Chris snuck up behind her wearing nothing but a white top and a black boxer on then he wrapped his arms around her waist. "A penny for your thoughts?" he asked, "I caught you smiling, I'm interested in knowing why"

Brenda laughed, "Why don't you take a guess?" She asked and he smiled. "I really won't like to jump into conclusions so if you don't mind telling me"

"You. You're the reason I'm happy."

"I'm happy too"

"You don't understand" Brenda faced him, "I've been through a lot of bad relationships okay? And no guy ever takes me seriously. What we have is just surreal to me"

Chris kissed her on the lips, "It's as real as can be dear." "Why did It have to happen so late, I would be leaving today. We could have made love all week"

"What's the rush? We still have time"

"We don't. You keep forgetting I live with a militant"

"I was thinking of meeting your parents" he announced and she gaped in shock. "What?" "Is it too early? It's too early right? I'm moving too fast"

"Yes"

"But I want to, I just want to meet your family then you'll meet mine. It's the way every normal promising relationship goes"

"You don't have to come yet, give it time okay? A little while for me to get some things right"

"Get what right?" He asked and she stalled having so much answers in mind but didn't know where to start.

Pamilerin entered into the kitchen to meet Omotoyosi with a robe on. "Good morning Ma" "Can't you call me Mom? Very soon I'll be you guys mother. Infact, I'm you guys Mom already"

"You do know it was unnecessary to keep repeating you guys right?" He asked and She scoffed feeling insulted, "Professor in English grammar, o Kare (Well done). Well listen up cause whether you like it or not, I'm your mother"

"Dad hasn't gotten married to you yet"

"We're married"

"I believe divorce is the opposite of Married" he snapped and she raised her hands to slap him when Funsho entered. "Oko mi, good morning love" she greeted dropping her hands then she faked a chuckle.

"Good morning Toyo"

"Good morning Daddy"

"Good morning dear"

"I was just having a nice chat with Pamilerin here" "Weren't you about to slap me?" He asked and she gasped, "What? Omo yi le pa irọ. Irọ lo ma pa ọ (This boy can lie! It's lie that will kill you)" she snapped and Pamilerin opened the fridge taking a bottle water from it then he walked out of the kitchen.

"Oko mi" she moved closer to Funsho and he groaned in frustration. "What?" "I didn't like the way you treated me last night" she complained, "Can we maybe do over?"

"Like me leaving you to sleep alone in my room, no wahala"

"You know what I meant Oko mi, I want you"

"It's Saturday and I have to be at the gym"

"You usually spend your Saturdays at home, with the kids. Hey love" she bit her lower lips then she moved her lips close to his.

"We could work things out like we used to"

"What's so hard in understanding that I don't want you Toyo. I'm not even interested"

"What happened to you? What's going on with you? You've never cared about having sex with me even after we divorced. Remember we had sex everywhere, even in this kitchen, in your office. I still have the memories, you've been rejecting me for a year now! Kilo wa de? Is it not working it again?" She asked looking down at his crotch so he laughed opening the fridge.

"Yes, it's no longer working. If it would make you leave me alone" he removed a plastic bowl of stew from the freezer then he placed it in the sink.

"That's a lie" she replied while her fingers made way to his crotch. Funsho grabbed her hands pushing it away. "Don't you get it? Whether Shade wants you back or not, you don't move me any longer"

"Ouch"

"That's the bitter truth"

"Who does then? That Cecee girl that was calling you the other day? That Asewo that only knows how to open breast. Ah! Omotoyosi Omo Shina, o ti ji ya tan, o time ji ya lowo Funsho (Omotoyosi daughter of Shina, you have suffered in the hands of Funsho!)" She muttered then Shade walked in dressed in her blue pyjamas.

"Oko mi" Omotoyosi kissed Funsho on the lips then he withdrew clearing his throat then he shot a look at her.

"Morning Mom, morning Dad" Shade greeted, a smile was visibly seen on her face. "How was your night?" She asked, "Do I need to ask?" She added guessing they both spent the night together.

"Your father and I had a lovely night, don't you think so Oko mi?" She asked and Funsho scoffed.

"What night?"

"You don't have to deny it in front of our daughter, it was the same way we gave birth to her"

"I'm glad you two are back together" Shade smiled and Funsho scoffed, how in the world was he going to wipe that sweet smile off his daughter's face. He cussed Omotoyosi underneath his breath.

"I hate you right now" Funsho confessed quietly while Shade opened the fridge removing a bottle of water.

"I love you too" Omotoyosi kissed him quickly on the lips then she laughed sticking her tongue out.

"I was telling your father how I wanted him to spend his Saturday at home like he usually does but he said he'll be going to the gym"

"His morning routine on Saturdays are now spent in the gym. Sometimes i wonder why"

Dara and Portia walked into the gym. "I can't believe my husband intentionally sent me to the gym on a whole Saturday where I should be with my children." Portia complained. "I think you should talk to your husband if you don't like the way he's treating you" Dara advised and Portia exhaled, "Shebi? I'm just trying to avoid more marriage wahala cause you know how I can over react now when I want to"

"True"

"Let's not chat about my life, what about yours? What's the latest?"

"I have a date with Efe after rehearsals. Lately I've been worried about visiting him. It's the way he looks at me that screams, I want sex that makes me worried. I feel like canceling"

"If your spirit doesn't want to go, forget it then but you just have to know that that thing you're scared of will happen someday."

"No!" Dara groaned in irritation, "Wait.... Don't you want to lose it to him?" "Maybe after marriage, I'm not sure. I just want to still hold on to it till I find the right man."

"You don't think he's the right man?"

"Not that, I don't want to regret it"

"I don't know who the Man will be but he's definitely going to pop the cheery some day, you have to be mentally prepared for it"

"Not without marriage first, I've decided that I'm not breaking my promise. I have self will through the strength of Jesus Christ in me" she answered she sighted three men coming their direction holding pole rods. While trying to avoid being hit by the pole after two had passed by her, she ended up hitting her leg on one of the gym equipment.
Dara screamed in pain.

While Chief Duncan sat in the living room, Eugene, a house help dropped a glass of tea before him. "Do you need any other thing Sir?" "No my dear, You may go"

The door bell rang and she quickly made way to open the door. She bowed her head on seeing Derin Balogun in a below the knee length black gown and a jean jacket over it. "Good morning Ma" she greeted, "Good morning" Derin answered walking into the sitting room.

"Good morning Chief"

"Good morning my dear"

"Sorry to disturb you this early but I found out something I think is important for you to know" she said and he waved his hands. "There's no point apologizing Derin, you know you're always welcomed In my home. Have your seat" he gestured but she hesistated.

"I would prefer we speak in private Chief"

"Do I have enemies here? We're the only ones here as it is bayii (like this). Feel free to speak to me" he requested sipping the cup of tea.

"Do you need a cup of tea or real breakfast instead?"

"No Chief, I had something before coming" she replied taking a seat close to him. "Hope no problem" "I have information about the girl who died. You're quite aware she works as an auditor in the hospital"

"Yes"

"The fourth one in the accounting department that has died"

"I wasn't aware of that"

"Now you are. Someone's trying to cover up for some criminal activities and Rosemary knew something so they or whoever had to eliminate her."

"Who?"

"I'm not certain and I don't know how I'm going to tell you this but..... from my investigation, your son Gbade is a prime suspect. He had an involvement with her, I don't know if was a relationship but they became close and that night she died, Gbade and Rosemary planned to meet and it's amazing how Rose ended up dead surprisingly. Coincidence won't you say?" She asked and Chief exhaled then he bowed his head in utter shock,
"Gbade?" He muttered shaking his head.

"ko le jẹ Gbade mi (It can't be my Gbade)

"The investigation is still on going Chief. It's either Gbade or one of your wives or relatives or someone who works in the hospital. Your right hand man, Doctor Wilfred, I heard he fired your daughter Dunni"

"It can't be him either"

"You'll be surprised who your enemies are or what they can do. You have to be very careful Chief, careful and vigilant"

"Mo ti gbo (I've heard). Thank you Derin. Can you help me run a background check on someone"

"Who?"

"Dara Igwe, she's an OAP in Mood FM"

Derin rolled her eyes, then she scoffed assuming Chief was only being his womanizing self again.

"It's not what you think, I'm trying to find a wife for Funsho, I want to match make him with this lady, I only want a background check on her, her family, everything"

"Fine! I'll do it" she replied rising up. "Have a pleasant day Chief" "Iwo naa(You too)"

After Derin walked out, Chief shook his head once more at the thought of Gbade being responsible for killing his employees. "Gbade?" He whispered then he shook his head.

"It can't be!"

Mrs Abimbola Duncan walked in almost immediately, she had a white bubu gown on. She had just bumped into Derin, a woman she doesn't like because of the closeness with her husband.

Besides, she wasn't blind to realize the woman liked her husband. She hissed on entering into the sitting room.

"I thought it wasn't your style to invited your lovers into the house" she began and Chief smiled at her jealousy. Seeing any of his wife play jealous usually seems to make him laugh hard.

"Abimbola my dear" he called out and she scoffed.

"You know more than everyone that I don't do that. I can take my lovers to hotels, never in my house. My house is only for my official wives. Besides all that life of hotels have passed, it's all in the past now" he answered and she chuckled taking a seat close to him.

"Ife mi Nkankan n ru mi loju
(Something troubles me)" she began and he raised a brow in worry, "Sọrọ mo n gbọ e (Speak, I'm all ears)" "Ọlọrun a bukun fún o (God bless you my dear)

"(I had a dream)

"Ah Han, Bawo? (Like how?)"

"It was a horrible dream, I dreamt you died and we had to bury you"

"How old am I?"

"67"

"So if God says it's my time to die, who am I to say no?" He asked and Bimbo scoffed,

"God forbid!" She said out loud, "Ọlọrun maje! Ah han! Baba Dunni, e ye ma sọrọ bayii (God forbid! Daddy Dunni, stop talking this way). You won't die! You'll live to see you grand children and great grand children. It's not yet your time! They want to snatch It forcefully but God will not allow them" she replied in tears and Chief Duncan laughed.

"Mummy Dunni Sha"

"I'm serious my dear, you know my dreams always come through and I know you are too young to die. You'll still reach hundred years old for me, for all your children and grandchildren"

"Amen oh"

"Daddy Dunni,"

"Kini?"

"All i ask is for you to be very careful with those you eat with, drink with and move around with."

After being informed of the accident that happened before his arrival, Funsho scurried over to a sick bay where Dara was with Portia. "Does it still hurt?" He heard Portia ask, "I think my ankle Is broken"

"Sorry" Oise apologized, "I'm sorry about that" Funsho added walking in and Dara turned her gaze at him.

"I heard what happened"

"Good morning Sir" Oise greeted, "You won't be having any session with me today. I'm sorry about that" "As if in your mind you're not happy" Dara snapped playfully and he chuckled.

"This woman sha" he complained, "Well, see you later. Take care" ge tapped her shoulder walking out of the room.

"Good morning oh" Portia greeted and he smiled. "Good morning to you, how did it happen?"

"I was just passing through the gym, like every normal day now. Some men were walking around with this rod"

"Workers?" He asked and Dara folded her hands, "Don't go and fire someone's father oh" Dara groaned, "I don't know if they're workers but It wasn't their fault. I was trying to avoid being hit by the rod when I clashed my leg upon one of your equipments"
"I'm sorry" he apologized, "It won't reduce the pain will it?"

"It won't. How about a refund?"

"Yes she'll take it" Portia answered on Dara's behalf. She scoffed in disagreement, "God forbid! Then I won't feel comfortable to use the tools, no way."

"What kind of person are you Dara?"

"A special kind of person"

"Can I have a look at the leg?" He requested and she gave a nod.
Portia rose up from the bed while Funsho sat at the extreme placing her leg on his laps. Her legs were oily, Dara could read through the expression on his face.
"Portia rubbed Shea butter on it."
"Are you sure it's Shea butter or snake oil, it stinks" he answered and she pulled her leg away. Funsho pulled it back gently laying it on his lap.

"Ouch! There has to be like ten broken bones there" she exaggerated and he laughed examining the ankle.

"Mister man, that's someone's leg your touching"

"Does it hurt here?" He pressed a spot and she groaned, "That was intentional right? It had to be" she complained slapping the pillow against his face and he laughed.
Portia quietly watched the both of them, she wondered when they became this cozy.

"There are no broken bones Ma"

"Weldon doctor, I never knew you had x-ray in your hands" "I would know if there are broken bones"

"What about broken veins? There has to be something broken for it to hurt that way"

Funsho began to massage her ankle, a painful gasp sizzled out of her lips, this was followed by a sweet feeling from being massage. "That felt good in a painful way" she commented unconsciously and Funsho chuckled.

"That feels really.... really good" she moaned and he stopped. "Why did you stop? Continue what you started"

"Listen to yourself Dara! You sound like you're about to sexually harrass the man" Portia noted and Funsho chuckled. "I'll leave you two alone" she chipped in leaving and Dara waved her goodbye.

"My leg is still available for massage practices" she added and he scoffed, "There's no way I'll continue with that loud moaning before people think I'm using my sick bay for immoral practices"

"Who was moaning?" She asked running her hands through her braids then she retrieved her legs again. "I have work by 10, I don't know how I'm going to leap over"

"I'll drive you"

"You don't have to"

"I insist"

"I was actually hoping you will, I would have cursed you if you had said okay." She complained and he smiled, "What was the point of being modest?" "A girl must act modest. Thank you very much for the concern you've shown. I could use a car drop to the office, thanks"
Funsho cleared his throat, "It's the least I can do, the accident occurred in my gym. You know we haven't really done a proper introduction yet."

"We know our names, is there any point?"

" I'm Funsho Duncans and you are?" He asked stretching his hands at her and she chuckled softly.

"Dara Igwe." She replied shaking his hands then she dropped her hands smiling. "How are your children? Shade, Pamilerin, Ade and Sewa?" She asked and he smiled. "You still remember their names" "Do I look that stupid? Was I suppose to forget? Be sincere, do I look that stupid?" She asked and he shook his head looking into her eyes.

"You're far from being stupid"

"Great! So I'm the senior cousin to stupid, wow" she teased and he chuckled shaking his head, "You know what I meant but every time you manage to make me speechless"

"You didn't bring them today, I would have loved to see them, especially your boys and Sewa, I just adore Sewa so much. They're all active children. I love active children, I do hope children that active. I think the key in is the man"

"The key is in breast feeding, exclusive"

"What? I don't even have the breast for it. I won't want my baby sucking my breast till they turn into slippers"

"They grow bigger"

"Not all, you haven't seen my cousin, Rex, he complains there's nothing left for him to suck" she revealed then she laughed it out now covering her lips.

"I'll ration my son or daughter's breast milk in take"

"Breast milk is good for the baby, it boosts immunity, Sewa barely gets sick" "Because she has a doctor for a father"

"How convenient! Even doctors gets sick"

"I know. So..... how do you double the gym with hospital job?" "I'm no longer a doctor"

"Why?"

Funsho cleared his throat, "I...." He stammered, "I got tired if living in that shadow" "What Shadow?" "You must have heard we're all doctors in the family right?"

"Yes, except Dr. Tise who's a psychologist"

"Yep. Just like her, I decided to find another spec, another niche"

"Did you love being a doctor?"

"It doesn't really matter now does it?"
"I want to know" she insisted and he exhaled, it wasn't a topic he liked talking about.

"It doesn't matter any longer, I chose another passion"

"You could have been a masseur instead, you own a gym but I haven't seen you touch a dumbbell" she teased and he laughed be heartily. "That's very funny"

"I'm serious. Your hands are....." She stalled, "Let's just say you have the talent"

"There's a insult in between that comment, I don't know whether to say thank you or not"

Dara chuckled softly, "Why are you divorced?"

"Do you always ask questions like this? You sound like Pamilerin right now" "Well.... sometimes, it's normal to get curious" "Well....it was a personal choice"

"Twice? That's one hell of a personal choice. Are you sure the problem wasn't from you?"

"What?" He asked, "I've only gotten married once"

"But.... I thought.... I heard you're divorced twice."

"Sorry Ma, you heard wrongly."

"Is she also the mother of Pamilerin, Ade and Sewa?"

"Nope"

"I don't..... understand"

Funsho looked away, "I'm not proud of my actions, but she's not. Although my two boys were given birth to by the same mother"
"And you didn't get married to her, why?"

"It's complicated"

"Who's Sewa's Mom"

"Another"

"Jesus!!!!" She widened her eyes, "Is that how rich people behave? You have three baby Mamas that's..... You're a real life 2face idibia, I salute your ministry Sir"

Fubsho laughed nervously, "It's complicated" "Why?" "I'm sorry.... I can't say, it's complicated, you won't understand. You're already judging me with those eyes"

"I'm sorry" she answered shutting her eyes in guilt. "I can't help it" she added then her phone rings and she picked it, "Hey Babe" she called out and Funsho felt the need to leave her alone.

"How's your exercise going?"

"I tripped and broke my ankle"

"Sorry about that"

"Thank you"

Funsho rose up lifting his index finger up, "I have to go" "Oh" she covered her palm over the phone, "I'm sorry. Thank you for the help" she said before returning back to the call.

"Were you talking to me?"

"I wasn't actually, i was talking to the guy that owns the gym. What were you even saying?"

"Tonight's plan" he chipped in and Dara rolled her eyes.

Chris stopped Brenda by S and A fashion house then she got out of the car faking a smile. "Thank you for dropping me off, that was really thoughtful of you"

"You're welcome" he replied with a smile, "Have a pleasant day at work"

"You too" she waved him good bye and he drove off. "God help me!" She made way towards the building while checking to see if the car had driven far enough to return back to the roadside so she could take a cab to the diner.

She then put a call through to Timmy. "Timmy darling"

"You're late" he snapped angrily and she rolled her eyes.

"Chris kind of dropped me off at S and A, I'm trying to order a ride back to the diner"

"How long are you going to fool him with that lie? How long till he finds out?" "Can you save the criticism till I get there. I just thought I should let you know"

Timmy hissed out loud after his phone call with Brenda then he dipped his phone into his pocket then he noticed Dunni walk in through the front door.

He smiled as he approached him at the counter. "Hey" she waved taking a seat on one of the available chair at the counter then she turned towards two couples arguing. It reminded of her marriage, the lady walked out and Dunni scoffed.

"It happens here all the time" Timmy said to her bringing her out of her thought. "Relationship can be a lot of work, I still don't know why people bother with it" she said unconsciously and Timmy frowned.

"Don't say that. Not all relationships! There are bound to be quarrels but, some people still survive the storm, Like Uncle Olu Jacob and Joke Silvia. Relationship takes two people that understand each other to survive. You can't afford to judge based on what you went through or your divorce." He chipped in and she rolled her eyes in regrets.

She's been talking to him about everything lately!

"Maybe he was undeserving of you. You still haven't told me what happened?"

Dunni scoffed, "Timmy, not now" "I can wait. What are you doing here?" "I came to have coffee, is that a crime now?" "Have you spoken to Winner yet?"

"She's still not picking up my calls"

"She hasn't been at the diner for a while now. I would have helped you speak to her" "It's okay, I know my daughter can be sturbborn, courtesy of a very bad parenting from Thomas and I."

"You can change that"

"How?"

"I don't know but we'll figure something out" he answered and she chuckled. "You use that a lot, we'll figure it out, why?" "Two heads are better than one, I believe in sharing problems to solve them so...." He answered and she smiled.

"You're always so cheerful and hopeful? It's like you're less bothered about what life throws at you."

"I don't believe in giving up, it has never been in my nature. My parents will always say, where there is a will, there's a way. As long Winny's alive and breathing, she can't hate you forever, you still have a chance of winning her heart. All you need is the right strategy"

Dunni chuckled, "Guess what?" "What?" "I'll be meeting the wife of the deceased today, I already called her" "And what did she say?" "She say she'll be thrilled to meet me after work. In her house"

"Okay" Timmy sighed, "Do you have an address?" "Yes" "Do you need some sort of help?"

"Will you go with me?"

"I would like to. I won't want you telling her, I'm sorry I killed your husband. You might never get out of that house alive" he joked and she laughed.

"We're going to think this through"

"Thank you Timmy, you're God sent"

Portia returned back to the sick Bay after her exercise. She found Dara massaging her ankle, "Pele dear" she sympathetized and Dara nodded. "When did he leave?"

"Since. Why did you leave?"

"I just had to, the way you guys were eyeing each other"

"What? Come on! Eyeing what?"

"I'm just exaggerating it but, I just felt out of it, like you two needed some time alone. What did you two discuss on?"

"His children, his life, I wanted to know why he married twice, he said it's all a lie! He only married once"
Portia stood still examining what Dara said, it just didn't add up for him. "The first marriage didn't even last five years. How did that one wife give birth to all those children?"

"They're from different mothers except his two boys. I asked him how and he went back into that secretive shell again, he didn't want to say further than that. He didn't want to be judged" she kept on rubbing her ankle. "I don't understand why he had to stop the massage, it was so good" she smiled and Portia scoffed.

"I know you're inexperienced and all but erm, who wouldn't stop with all those moaning" Portia complained. "What moaning? He said the same thing. He said he doesn't want anyone thinking he's committing immoral acts in the sick bay."

"That's the same sound you make when he's touching or digging into the right corners"

"Oh, gross, did you have to use digging?"

"Be shouting gross there! Sex, you've not had before, Porn you will not watch!"

Boma bowed her head after Chris walked into the studio. "Good morning Sir" "Good morning Miss Davis, has Dara arrived?" "She's still at the gym, but she'll be back"

"Okay" he answered leaving then he turned back letting out a loud groan, "Um, how close are you to the Igwes?" He asked and Boma squinted her eyes in wonder, she didn't know how exactly to answer the question.
"It's a harmless question Miss Davis"

"I'm a very very very close family friend"
In exception of Brenda, your lying girlfriend! She added within.

"Oh. That's great, superb! I know you're probably aware that I'm dating Brenda Igwe, I was planning on throwing a surprise visit this evening. I kind of brought out the topic but she was trying hard to shy away from it so...." He stalled and she nodded.

Typical!

"I heard she's not too close with her Dad, they have this daughter- father enemity going on" he continued and Boma laughed nervously.

Something she didn't like about!

"Can you give me an address so I can visit"

Boma's lips slowly opened at the thought of Kelvin, "Is it necessary?" "I just want to show her and her family how serious I am with her. Can I get the address? It's a surprise, don't tell her"

"I'll text it to you Sir"

"Please do" he flashed a smile at her before leaving.

She exhaled loudly, she didn't know whether you tell Brenda or not! Part of her wished to tell her so she could be prepared while the other half wanted her to be caught.

Her phone rang so she glanced at the callers ID before picking the call, it was nurse Amanda from the other day. "Hello Boma, I fixed up a meeting with you and Rosemary's sister. She works at Genesis cyber cafe, I'll send you an address"

"Thanks Amanda, I really appreciate it"

Funsho covered his palm against his face then he sighed while Dr. Sommy sat on the table. "So what you're saying is that you found her moan erotic" "I didn't say erotic, does everything about you have to sound like porn?"

"It's still same thing. She moaned and you almost got aroused"

"It was just some seconds thing, she seemed completely clueless about it"

"Is she a virgin?" Dr. Sommy asked and Funsho shrugged. "How am I supposed to know? I don't know that part of her life. She sounded clueless but again, she's 34" He assumed and she smiled.

"I had to employ your mechanism to snap out of it real quick. Her beautiful legs were on my lap, it would have been really awkward"

"Okay.... At least you've come this far you're way different from the man who first walked in here. It's so obvious you like this woman, why don't you go ahead to ask her out?"

Funsho scoffed, "I already told she has a boyfriend" "It's not a big deal, my husband had a girlfriend but he still fell in love with me. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be, you don't even have to fight it, it'll come naturally"

"My life is a mess"

"I'm your therapist but I can still slap you. I've been going through months ground breaking therapy with you. Don't go around telling everyone your life is a mess," she paused, "I mean, how do you expect me to get customers?" She asked and he chuckled. "I can't believe I thought you were going to give a therapist speech"

"I've already done my part as a therapist to help you. If you want my honest opinion, I think you're okay and good to go. I should give you a certificate of victory but I still want to make money off you so...." She shrugged and he chuckled.

"From your description of this girl, she's quite different from the women in your life. Different is a good thing, what you need is someone with that vibe in your life. You said it yourself, your kids loved her, if they do, what are you waiting for?"

"For the last time Dr Sommy, she has a boyfriend"

Dr. Sommy rolled her eyes, "You don't get it do you? She might just be lost, I don't know. Maybe she doesn't realize that the Bobby guy she's dating is not the right guy for her. Maybe she doesn't realize she likes you just yet, try to take out the idea she has boyfriend and let everything play out naturally. She's not married until the guy takes her down the aisle, take that from me."

"So I'm supposed to compete?"

"You're supposed to be open-minded. How will you feel if she ends up being your wife sometime in the future?" He asked and he gave a shy smile.

"I wish I had the story of how I fell in love written in a book, I would have sold it for you to read. It's an amazing story"

Boma sat alone in a cyber cafe waiting for Magda who was still making photocopies for a customer. She noticed most of the equipments still had the nylon wrapped on them, they were obviously brand new.

She glanced at her wrist watch, she has been waiting for the past twenty minutes now!

"I'm sorry for wasting your time" Magda apologized pushing a stool close to her. "Were you photocopying a textbook?"

"It's always busy around here. I'm sorry."

"Your equipments, your copiers, are they new" she found herself asking,
"Yes. They are gifts"

"From?"

"The hospital, why are you interested?"

"Oh. Nothing.... Just curious"

"Amanda told me you wanted to see me"

"Yes. Condolence on the demise of your sister"

"Thank you" she sniffled and Boma passed a handkerchief to her. She felt pity for her she wasn't sure whether to continue with her mission or not. Wouldn't it be inconsiderate to dish questions at her.

Magda refused collecting the handkerchief. "Thank you very much. The world is too wicked for me to be collecting white hankerchief anyhow"

Boma chuckled, fair enough! She would have reacted the same! "My name is Boma Davis, I run a blog and I'm currently running an expose to expose the Duncans"

"Of what?"

"Being Ritualist" she answered and Magda laughed. "They gave us our sister's body, we buried her" she answered and tears poured down her eyes and Boma sighed.

"The whole Ritualist thing was my first expose then I saw your sister's body on the grass that night and ..... I'm not trying to spur up suspicion but i someone did that thing" she revealed and Magda gave an indifferent expression. It dawn on Boma, she knew her sister was murdered.

"Oh my God" Boma scoffed, "You knew! Jesus, you knew she was killed and you didn't report to the police"

"So that what? They'll kill me too?" She whispered, "I love my life too much, in fact the extent to which I like my life en, if Rosemary liked her life that way, she would still be alive"

"Jesus"

"I didn't send to be digging into things that didn't concern her"

"What do you mean by digging into things that didn't concern her?"

"I meant, digging into things that didn't concern her, like you are now. You better back off before you wound up dead like my sister"

" Jesus! What did Rosemary find out about them?"

Magda shrugged, "I have no idea, she didn't tell" she responded, looking around, "I noticed when she started coming late to work, then she started buying expensive things, she came to work at will. This was last year September or so" she paused then she scoffed.

"I knew something was wrong, she was even having sex with someone from the hospital. Severally I'll hear her threaten someone on phone. Days before she died, Rosemary made prints here"

"What prints?"

"I have no idea, she did it all by herself. She didn't even allow me come close. I asked her why she didn't do it in the office but she lied that their printing machine got spoilt. She took everything"

"Where did she keep them?"

"I'll show you where she was buried, maybe you can go ask her." She snapped and Boma rolled her eyes looking out the window where she saw Funsho coming out of the relief clinic, "I'm just curious " She paused now looking at Magda. "I just wanted to know if you had a clue what it was"

"She died with the secret."

"Do you think it'll be in her house? Maybe you can help me find it"

"There's nothing there, I've searched"

"Why? Someone has asked you check right? Let me guess, Gbade Duncan right?" She asked and Madga scoffed.

"I think it's time you leave"

"Maggi, are you going to sit and take sides with people that would have murdered your sister or take side with someone who's trying to fish out who the murderers are?"

"Abeg, abeg, abeg, in the name of God. Which one is your own like this? Do you want to end up like Mary? Rosemary got what she deserved, she's one senior sister that doesn't like taking counsel and we all know how she ended up so in the name of God, I don't want to end up the same way she did so...... Good day!" She snapped leaving and Boma sighed.

Another dead end, more questions and no answer.

Timilehin knocked on Dunni's door dressed in a short sleeve white shirt, tucked in a navy blue trousers. She opened up clad in a navy blue gown. She laughed on noticing the color of his trousers, he laughed too.

"It looks planned" she commented and he chuckled biting his lips. "You look nice"

"Thanks. You look good too" she exhaled, "I'm nervous" she confessed walking in and he followed her in. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, I have my cheque book, a token in my bag, and I have my guilts pricking my inside upside down. I think I need to smoke something" she exhaled again and he held her hands.

"Hey!" He chuckled, "Look into my eyes" he demanded and she did. "Take a deep breath," he added and she obeyed. "You don't have to ingest any smoke, it's going to be fine, I promise you, it's going to be fine"

"Thank you. I think I'm ready" he added and they both set off.

Stella found her door opened so she walked into it to hear sizzling sounds. It definitely had to be Andy so she kicked her shoes off then walked into the kitchen to find him frying plaintain.

"You didn't tell me you'll be coming" she leaned against the door and he turned back smiling at her. "Well, I just wanted to surprise you"

"And you did" she muttered chuckling.

"I hope you know you're a real lousy cook"

"Yes I know but I wanted to surprise you"

"Surprise?" She asked and Stella instantly knew he had done something wrong. Perhaps the meal was an apology meal! "Okay what did you do wrong this time?" She asked and he scoffed, "Why do you always assume when I surprise you that I've automatically done something wrong?"

"Because my assumptions have never failed me. In some ways, you remind me of Brenda"

"I'm not like that girl! I'm nothing like her. Have I ever lied to you? Think of it, have I?" He asked moving close to her and she exhaled. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you"

"I missed you too"

"What about the job?" She asked and he shrugged, "What job?" "The one you were applying for, did the bribe work?" She asked and Andy looked away.

"Okay... Um... That's what I wanted to talk to you about"

Stella rolled her eyes then she scoffed, "Don't even give me stories" "I paid the money damn right but someone else paid more so they employed the guy. He'll start working there on Monday, they requested for 300 k, I knew if I had asked for 300, you would have screamed on phone so I...."

"Did they at least return the money?"

"Things are not done that way now, the guy didn't even answer me" he answered and Stella shook her head leaving the kitchen. She was coming up with a massive headache.

"Baby! Are you angry?" He asked, i have another job entry on Monday!" He shouted but she ignored him. "Won't you eat plaintain? Shit i just fucked up"

Dunni and Timmy sat in a small sitting room of Mrs Dorcas Ekanem both staring at the woman before them. They both sat on a two seater chair while the woman sat on a two seater chair too.

The only demarcation was the wooden center table between them.

"Are you sure you don't want anything?" The woman asked for the third time since they entered. "We're fine Ma, we had something before coming" Dunni answered staring nervously at Timmy.

Her nerves were racking but Timmy seemed rather relaxed.

"So, Doctor, how have you been?"
"I've been...." She stalled looking at Timmy again, she couldn't even complete her sentence. "She's fine, the doctor has been fine. We actually came so we could talk to you, actually she wants to talk to you"

"Why isn't she speaking?"

"She's nervous Ma"

"Why?"

"Let me not be inconsiderate Ma, I learned your husband died recently, my deepest apologies"

"Thank you. It's God that gives and takes"

"Well, we're because Dunni feels she's to be blamed for the death but I've been trying to convince her it wasn't her fault. I don't know if you can help me out here"

Dunni busted into tears, "It's my fault, I was on duty and...." "It's not your fault doctor, like I said, God that gives and takes. My husband's death dug a hole in my heart, the vacuum is yet to be filled but what can i do. I have to be strong for my children. Doctor you don't have to blame yourself oh"

"I haven't had rest since your husband died. I feel like my carelessness killed him?"

Dorcas Ekanem laughed, "You obviously don't have what to think of that's why. If you had important things, you won't go as far as thinking of something that...."
"Forgive me Ma" Dunni knelt down before her, "Ah Han, please rise up" she demanded and Dunni sat down bringing out a cheque leaf from her bag. She handed it over to Dorcas and she slowly glanced at it.

"Jesus! This is too much!" "Please help me manage it Ma" she apologized handing a brown envelope to her.

"For immediate needs Ma, incase you can't go to the bank just yet"

"No.." Dorcas shook her head, "This is too much," "I really want to do more, please help me manage it Ma" she begged and Dorcas finally took the envelope from her.

"Thank you for accepting this, you have no idea how happy it makes me" Dunni sighed in relief then she smiled looking at Timmy then back at the Dorcas.

"Can you believe they bought her with new copiers and and stools in her shop?" Boma complained to Dara who was lost in thought. "I'm sure it's that Gbade and I'm planning on putting the news out there" she added finally noticing that Dara's mind was far from their conversation.

"Madam!" She snapped her fingers in front her face, "Come back to earth oh!" She added and Dara exhaled.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I can't believe they bought that girl's sister and I'm planning on putting the news out there"

"Is that wise?"

"People need to know the truth, they can't be in the dark. Someone killed that girl and I'm going to get people to start asking questions"

"I've watched this scenario a hundred times in movies. Boma, I would really hate you if you make me attend your burial ceremony"

"I'm not dying anytime soon"

"Let me ask for your permission before you die, remember that lemon top you bought? The one I like? Let me at least have it before you die" she requested and Boma laughed.

"Ishi! I'm not dying! What's up? Your mind is not even here at all. Did anything happen during rehearsals?"

"Not at all, remember I was supposed to meet up with Efe"

"You cancelled?"

"No. I switched off my phone, I don't want to have sex yet"

"Did he tell you it give you any signs?"

"My spirit is just uneasy about spending night hours with him." "That's serious, is it that you're also feeling it under there"

"I'm not feeling anything, I'm just being cautious"

"You're just being scared but it's totally normal. Except you don't trust him that much to lose your virginity to or you don't think he's worthy. That reminds me" Boma snapped her fingers, "Guess where I saw Funsho Duncan?" She asked and Dara shrugged, "Where?"

"He was coming out from Relief Therapy center just adjacent to the Cyber cafe. What do you think he's doing there?" She asked, "How am I supposed to know?" Dara snapped, "Shey Portia said the both of you are now buddies and with the were blushing the other night"

"What?" Dara laughed, "You guys are not serious. We're not buddies, I'm just trying to understand the guy and it's so impossible! The guy has secrets that he's not telling"

"Secrets like he's a Ritualist!"

"No! He needs to talk to someone to get it off his chest, why does he have so many kids? I'm interested in knowing"

"That's why he has a therapist"

Dara suddenly bit her fingers in thought, "I wonder why he's going for therapy, or perhaps he was visiting a friend"

Boma laughed at how the topic spark up interest in her, "Why are you interested?" "Beats me too" she answered and they both laughed.

Kelvin entered into his mother's room frowning. "Grandma said I should ask if you're not going to eat" "I already ate at the diner, I'm filled up" "What's a diner?"

"It's where i work now"

"But I thought you worked as....." He stalled in thought, "Well, Mommy has a crazy syndrome of being fired at her work place" she answered and he arced his brow at him then she sighed.

"Well..." She moved closer to him, "Well Mommy got fired, like my boss told me to look for another job that's the meaning of fired"

"What did you do?" He asked and she rolled her eyes. He was beginning to sound more like his grandfather. "I didn't do anything"

Kelvin gazed in disbelief. "You don't believe me right?" She asked and he gave a gentle nod so she laughed nervously. "Why? I'm your mother, you should believe me"

"I don't believe you cause you lie all the time" he answered and Brenda shut her eyes suddenly feeling ashame of her actions. "Oh God!" She muttered suddenly feeling tears building up her eyes.

"Hey" she called out kneeling down then she placed both her palm on his cheeks. "Hey baby"

"Ma"

"I know I haven't been a good example, I know I've been a bad mother but i want you to know that i love you with all my heart and soul. I love you Kelvin, more than you think"

"Why don't you show it?"

"Okay. Listen up dear, I promise you, I promise to change from now on. We'll play together, we'll have fun next Saturday, I'll watch your favorite cartoon with you. I promise you my love, it's going to be different henceforth"

"Promise?"

"I promise" she answered and he smiled. Then she kissed him on the forehead and the cheeks. "I love you Mummy" he said and Brenda felt her heart melt.

"Awwwn, I love you too"

Dunni stopped her car in front of the compound Timmy lived in. "You didn't have to drop me home, I could have taken a taxi" "I had to, it's the least I could do for what you did"

"I didn't exactly do anything"

"Stop being modest, you left your work for me, if you weren't there with me, i don't know what i would have done. I would have completely messed up." "It was nothing, I care a lot about you and i needed the time out. I really haven't had time for myself in a long time, thank you for making it possible. I should go out the more"

"Why don't you go out?"

"I haven't seen the right person to take the leap with" he said taking a glance at her. "It's Sunday tomorrow, I should probably go. Good night Dunni" he said and she hugged him.

"Good night" she muttered pulling away slowly then he smiled at her and they both shared a passionate look.

"Sweet dreams" she added and he pressed his lips against her lips then he pulled back shutting his eyes in guilt.

"I'm sorry I did that" he apologize and she nodded, "Don't be, if you apologize, I might have to apologise too" she answered, "Why?" He asked and she kissed him too.

Chris knocked on the gate and Mrs Igwe opened up trying to access the person's face. It wasn't a face she recognized. "Good evening Ma" he greeted and she suspiciously gazed at him.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Dara's boss" he answered, "You must be Dara's aunt cause I don't want to believe you're the mother cause you look young"

"Awwwn. That's sweet, you're quite the sweet talker arent you?"

"No. I'm not, I'm known for my honesty"

"I'm her mother"

"She probably got it from you then."

Mrs Igwe chuckled, "Come in dear, why are you here so late?" she asked making her way in.

"Something came up at the studio and it kept me up to this moment" he replied following her and she sighed. "I hope all is well as you're here like this oh. Couldn't you postpone till tomorrow?"

"All is well Ma, I couldn't" he replied following her into the sitting room where Mr Igwe was seated watching a highlight of Daddy Adeboye's preaching on Dove TV with Ruby.

"Good evening Sir" Chris greeted bowing his head then Mr Igwe gave his wife a look. "It's Dara's Boss, let me go call her" Mrs Igwe entered into the house while Mr Igwe kept on staring at him.

"I hope there Is no problem"

"None Sir. Everything is okay"

"Good evening Sir" Ruby greeted and Chris smiled, "Good evening dear"

Dara got out with Boma afterwards with her mother, "Good evening Sir" they both greeted and Chris smiled. "I may have lied a little about coming for Dara, I came to meet the parents that gave birth to the woman I'm currently dating now. I'm here for Brenda"

Mr Igwe turned towards her wife who kept a straight face despite busting with smile from within.
"Brenda!" She called out with a smile then Brenda came out with Kelvin in front and her arms wrapped around his neck.

Shocked gripped her the moment she saw Chris. "Surprise" he flashed a smile and Brenda returned the smile with a nerve racking chuckle. "What are you doing here?"

"To see your family of course" he replied now looking at Kelvin.

"Who's the cute boy?" He asked, "Oh, his name is Kelvin, he's my cousin's son. Kelvin, say hi to Chris Holland"

What do you think of this chapter? ☺

Someone should please give Brenda a slap for me? Do I have a volunteer? 🙋

️
More secrets shey?🤔
You probably have questions brewing 🤣

What's Funsho hiding? Who's Kelvin's father, who killed Rosemary? What's wrong with this Brenda sef???? 😠😡

Longest chapter ever!!!!!
No. of words: 9169

There was no way to shorten it, so... Don't even get used to it!🤣🤣😂

It's a one off something!

Please comment and votes. Your votes are my inspiration.

Thank you!! 😘