SHADOWCORP Episode 4 by kayemjay

SHADOWCORP Episode 4 written by kayemjay

Steven sat at the back of a black, unregistered Toyota Camry with James just beside him. Stella was at the wheels, navigating the deserted streets of Victoria Island. There hadn’t been a single word from Steven since he had interrupted James’ fun at the club. Although furious, James decided to wait and hear what Steven had to say. He knew Steven would speak as soon as he felt it was safe to. So until then, James was ready to endure the silence on their trip to God knows where. As James sulked with his arms folded across his chest, Stella stole occasional glances at him from the rear view mirror. Each time she caught James’ gaze, she let out a soft knowing smile. Thirty minutes later, Stella pulled up at the Lekki Private Beach. There were few people on the beach, given the time they had arrived. It was quite windy and the currents were strong. Leaving their footwear in the car, they got out and walked to a particular hut, just facing the raging waters.

James wondered what was so important that he had to be whisked away from his fun. It was making him uncomfortable that no one was speaking to him. Steven and Stella were acting in a way that seemed there was trouble. He sat on the leather sofa that Stella provided and looked straight at Steven.

“Can I get a bottle of water please?” Steven said to his sister.

Stella brought him a bottle, rested her back against the thatched wall and waited. James could not take the silence anymore.

“It has been over an hour since you picked me up, drove me in circles and brought me here. I figured it was for an important reason and that is why I have kept my cool. However, I don’t think I can take it anymore. What the hell is happening? I need someone to talk to me!” James screamed.

He was staring at Steven who held his gaze. There was silence in the room. James looked at Stella, expecting her to say something but she looked away. He stood up and made to leave.

“I am done here. When you guys are ready to talk, you know where to find me.” He said.

As he moved towards the door, Steven spoke.

“Asset has been compromised, James.”

“What? Dr Raymond? How did that happen?” James asked

“Well, we are still trying to figure that out. There seems to be a weak link in our surveillance systems. We should have known immediately it happened but we only got alerted when she made a 767 emergency call to the police.” Stella replied

“Wait a minute. I installed the surveillance systems myself. It is perfectly flawless. Unless someone sabotaged it, there should have been an alarm to alert you. And why did you have to drive me all the way down here, keep me in silence and not communicate this to me in some way? I could have done something about this in all that time! This is hilarious!” James said.

Stella and Steven kept their eyes on James, without saying a word. It was the kind of stare that meant he was responsible, that he had done something wrong.

“I know that look. Are you saying I had something to do with this? That I caused this? Is this why you dragged me all the way? This is insane!”

Steven stood up and walked towards James, stopping just in front of him.

“I am sorry James.” Steven said.

Steven could see the fear in James’ eyes as he said those words. He had to make sure James was scared, afraid. That was the only way they could do what they needed to. James saw the look in Steven’s eyes and it was unmistakably clear. It was the look of a cold blooded killer.

James pulled out a Glock 17 9mm handgun from his hip and threw it to Stella. It happened so fast that before James could turn to beg for his life, Stella had pulled the trigger. The bullet lodged itself in James’ neck, with blood trickling down. James fell in a heap.

Steven bent quickly, turning James on his back as they accessed the wound.

“Good shot, Stella” Steven said as his sister looked at James, teary eyed.

“I was so scared. I had never second guessed a shot in my life. This was painful!” Stella said amidst sobs.

“You did what had to be done.” Steven finished with a tone of finality.

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

24 hours earlier….

Mr. Raymond Onuoah sat in his living room reading the day’s copy of DailyNews. His twin sons playing the cop and villain game, were bouncing all around him excitedly one trying to outrun the other. He could perceive the sweet smelling aroma that came from the kitchen. His wife was doing what she was wonderful at. He opened the middle page of the newspaper and fed his eyes on the contents. The middle spread was a campaign advert for the candidate running for presidency. Raymond just shook his head and hissed. They all made the same promises and never delivered. He was turning the page when the doorbell rang. Raymond pulled one of his sons nearest to him.

“Michael, go see who is at the door.”

His son walked briskly and playfully to the door and opened it. He did not recognize the man and the burglary kept the man from entering.

“Is your daddy around?” The man asked.

“Yes. What is your name?” Michael asked.

“Tell him ShadowCorp.”

“That’s a funny name. Okay. I will be right back.” The boy said and shut the door.

Michael walked back to his father and was attempting to lift himself unto the couch when Raymond interrupted him.

“Who was at the door?” he said, taking his eyes off the newspaper.

“I don’t know Dad. He said his name was Shadowcorp.” Michael said still concentrating on trying to haul himself on to the couch.

Raymond was shocked. He knew that he was doomed. The only thing he could think about was his wife and children. He had to get them to safety. He got up, his hands visibly shaking with sweat covering his forehead.

“Dad? Are you okay?” Michael asked.

“Err…yes…no…I mean get your brother and go into your room.”

“Dad but we just came down not too long ago”

“Get your brother and go to your room now! Don’t make me repeat myself.” Raymond said as he made way to the kitchen.

He had barely taken three steps when he heard a voice that made him freeze in his steps.

“Mr Raymond. We do not want any trouble. We have come for you, just you. Do not drag your lovely family into this. Don’t fight either. We wouldn’t want any ugly scenes now, would we?”

Raymond turned to see who it was and in that instant knew that he was in deep trouble. He was face to face with the man who had abducted and tortured him in the cargo container at the docks before Stella had saved him. They had assured him that he would be invisible, and untouchable. Now ShadowCorp was in his house. He tried to speak but swallowed saliva instead.

By this time his wife and sons were huddled together by the kitchen door, watching the unfolding drama, fear written on their faces.

“Can I at least say goodbye to my family?” Raymond asked.

“I don’t think so mate. We have to go now. Do you want it the easy way? Or you prefer it my way?” The intruder replied with a wicked smile, pulling out a handgun.

Raymond reluctantly followed the man as his wife held on the boys who were struggling to loosen themselves from her tight grip. As he walked with the man to an unknown black van parked across the street, Raymond felt betrayed. He had chosen to pitch his tent with complete strangers but he eventually wound up in the custody of the same people he was promised protection against.  The man shoved Raymond roughly into the back of the van, nestled beside him, and hit the body of the van twice. The car came to life and zoomed off the street and onto the major road.

Raymond’s wife did not wait for the car to move before she picked her phone and dialled 767. She was impatient as she listened to the voice prompt and rambled when she finally got to speak with an agent.