The Game Changer Episode 3
” Steven you stupid boy! How could you steal all the relish from the pot? Was it a sin for me to take up the responsibility of raising you since your parents died? You are a disgrace Steven, i can see how you will end up like your drunkard father” my aunty yelled at me pulling my ears. I was only 9 back then. The curse of being an outsider was that even when my Cousins did anything bad, i was the one to bare all the blame. I was to receive the beatings and hunger torture as they all made funny of me. I then vowed never to drink any alcohol and since then and i never did. My only thing were drugs.
” peeeeeeeeeep!” Came the loud noise from the car that i cut in taking the high way instead of waiting. I was lost in my childhood memory but i kept the speed of my vehicle at 180.
” i stopped instantly, the screeching of my tires as i put the emergence brakes filing the air with the strong scent like my tires wire just burnt.
” fu*k, fu*k! What the hell! I cursed getting out of the car as the other man walked towards me throwing insults at me. Calling me a reckless driver, a drunk who had no sense of control on the road.
” calm down man, be greatful i didnt bash your wreck!” I yelled back seeing his angrly face staring at me like i was not normal.
I brushed my beards calmly trying to calm and not take his insults as an offence.
” yes you are an idiot, let me call the cops on you. How dare you call my vehicle a wreck after you almost knocked me off. You are the idiots that cause accidents on the roads and i will make sure you pay for this. Lets see how you will answer to the RASTA when they get here” the man spoke his hands shaking with what i assumed was a combination of rage and the fear of the almost death experience he just had.
I moved forward now pissed with him.
” who do you think you are you son of a bi*ch.! I didnt bash you so whats the hustle for? Come on go your way this show is over” i snapped walking closer to him.
” what kind of man are you? You cant even show remorse for your stupidity. I have a friend at RASTA which is a few kilometres from here. Am calling him now to give him your vehicle number. I can assure you you will not pass Ndola today ” he smiled shirpishly like a child promised a reward after selling off his friend to get a beating from the father.
Without warning i grabbed his hand and took his phone as he tried to loose himself from my grip.
” what are you doing? ” he tried to scream but i pushed him back firmly making him stagger and fall to the hard tarred road.
” now get out of here before i get nasty.” I burst out my deep voice firm. Holding my hand up high i threw the phone down with full force sending it crashing in pieces i saw him flinch and then hold his mouth amazed at how crazy i was.
” now you have a commitment to make. Go find money to get yourself a new smartphone and stop wasting people’s time.” I smilled and stomped away leaving him in the middle of the road as i drove away.
Hitting the accelerator as i went my way i could see him shake himself off the ground from the side mirrow.
” you should have known better than insult Steven Banda you jerk. I had enough of that s*** when i was young and i won’t take it from any one now” i spoke to myself lighting a cigarette from the lighter in the car and putting it to my mouth enjoying it gladly.
2 hours later i was driving past the poster ‘welcome to Chingola’. I sighed relaxing myself. For another normal day i was going to be feeling so tired and jerked up but not this one. I had to do what was on my list and it was in such times that my ability to control sleep were hicked, not to talk of the dope(drugs) i kept on taking every time i felt an inch of tiredness.
I was parked in front of a beautiful house bulit out of brown stones its exterior so attractive i for a moment felt envy for what Ackim had built. Makasa had tokd me he built a house where he and his family lived.
” oh boy , i hope you are not one of them, i hate to feel that all this hard work will be for nothing” i shook my head letting out some smoke as i took one more cigger before i could decide how to approach him.
I was still looking out my hand hanging outside with the small piece of ciggarate remaining when i saw him. Ackim, walking outside holding two boys one on each hand. They were around 5 years old.
” daddy can we go now please!” One of the boys shouted jumping up and down his hand.
” Kim don’t leave your brother behind. Remember mom is finishing soon.just be in the back yard okey?” Ackim shouted at the boys i was assuming were twins.
” babe! Hand me the keys i check this car!” He shouted looking back at the house. I smiled seeing a tall and beautiful mixed blood lady walk out to him.
She handed him the keys and whispered something to him. I saw him close in on her grabbing her waist and kissing her before she withdrew walking back inside.
” perfect family General!” I whispered to myself and pushed the door open heading direct to the wall.
The front part where i parked a few meters away had some steel bars elevated and painted closing part of the wall fence that wasn’t closed up with bricks.
I teasingly clapped my hands standing outside and having a full view of Ackim who had the boot of the car opened.
I saw him straightening up and sharply turning to my direction.
” what? ” he frowned seeing me standing there pulling my beards.
” yeah, bravo man, what a beautiful family you have, there general! ” i said ‘ General ‘ a bit overrated.
” what the hell are you doing at my house Steve? Last time i checked you were dead” he walked towards me not making any effort to open the gate for me. He stood a few steps from me leaving only the steel bars separating us.
” am back from the dead man, am back and am a pissed ghost you have no idea.” I smiled mockingly i saw his face turn from shock to anger.
” am i supposed to be afraid of you or something? ” he asked his usual calm deep voice without any trace of fear.
One thing i knew for sure was that the man before me was not one to push around. If i had to get my results i had to play smart and not show him i was out to challenge him.
” are you not going to let me in man?” I smiled at him.
” Say what the hell you want and leave me. I know the kind of man you are Steve and am not going to let you near my family” he shook his head with a laugh.
” i thought we were friends man. ”
” oh no, you were under my command the times we worked togther Steve. Am not your friend. Go to Jacob, Mberere or Makasa those you are friends not me man. Am sorry but i cant have you hanging around my family. Go to wherever the hell you coming from!” He added seriously looking at his back and at me.
I smiled feeling hurt by his lack of courtesy.
” okey okey man, cool. Am leaving now i stepped back raising my hands.
” next time you want to visit someone you call them. This is the 21st century.Thats what normal people do and another thing. You dont come to my house so high like a junky!” He shouted.
“Will get you so soon !” I snored angrily but not audible enough.
” what?” He asked trying to get what i said but i smilled .. ” i said it was great seeing you man ” i chuckled as i got the door to my truck.
I drove away giving him the impression i had left and parked a few blocks away from his house. I stayed in one place pushing down the car seat and closing my eyes to sleep.
I woke up an hour later shaking myself off the seat and looking around. It was now 11 am. I slowly drove to the nearest shop and got myself some water, gulped the entire bottle in seconds.
” hey mama, you know any place i can get myself food around here?” I asked the woman at the shop.
” yes, take this route straight up and turn on the second road to your left. There’s a restraunt and bar, you won’t miss it” she responded. “Thank you” i smiled at her and started the ignition.
After the meal i relaxed myself taking a walk around the place leaving my truck parked.
An idea clicked in my mind as i walked.
” good that’s it” i sighed and decided to walk back following the route i came with.
I got to Ackim’s house a few minutes later taking a look at the now quite place.
I wondered if he was inside there or had left. I was still debàting if i should stick around outside or jump in and take a closer look, when i noticed the vehicle Ackim was working on was not parked outside any more.
I had to find a way to talk to him and at the moment i was to do whatever i could to see him. Be it by force or violence.
I thought of jumping inside the fence if not for the lady i saw earlier who walked out calling me.
” helo! Can i help you?” She asked walking towards me dŕessed in a short and sleeveless top i couldn’t help admire her for a second. The guy trully had taste there was no denying that fact.
” yeah sure” i sighed walking towards the gate.
” am kind of lost madam” i smiled at her and i saw her face calm.
” who are you looking for?” She asked opening the small gate entrance.
” am Steven, i came from Lusaka i worked for the military. Am looking for my friend we worked togather before but i kind of not sure of his address” i told her partly saying the truth.
” well, i see. Whats his name?” She asked
” Ackim, have any idea where i can find him?” I asked pretending.
” you are a lucky man Mr Steven. This is Ackim’s house, he’s my husband. ” she smiled.
” what? No ways! ” i exclaimed smiling.
” yeah” she nodded her head.
” well, that lucky b******! He never told me he married an angel as beautiful as you” i teased making her blush i jumped with joy inside.
” please come on in. He’s taken the kids out to a park he should be coming soon” she opened the door giving me way inside. I felt myself smile.
” i got you b******!” I whispered inside my head as she led me to the front door my eyes on her round butt.
” take a seat please” she indicted for me to sit in a well furnished living room the envioronmet making me feel at home.
” what can i offer you?” She smiled after i settled down.
” if you don’t mind a ciggarate” i said as a matter of fact.
” what, am sorry we don’t…..” she almost said but i cut her
” am pulling your leg Mrs, don’t worry am fine” i smiled widely as i looked around.
” thats you guys?” I asked her pointing at a wedding photo on the wall and some three kids on another.
” yeah, that was 5 years ago we wedded after our boys were born and our girl came 2 years ago” she smiled proudly.
” wow, i must confess you guys have built something beautiful together your family is gorgeous!” I told her.
A few minutes after talking to her i realised she and Ackim were so much into each other i for a second thought of how it would be like separating them. She was a beauty after all. And taking in those long smooth legs wouldn’t be a bad idea.
I was busy fantasizing about Ackim’s wife when i heard a deep voice angrily addressing me from my back.
” what the hell are you doing in my house you junky!” Ackim snored rushing to me.i was caught unaware as he grabbed me up by my neck in an instance pushing me to the wall and increasing the grip on my poor neck i failed to breath. I would agree the guy still had it in him.
I tried to talk but my voice was swallowed down my throat i ended up panting searching for my breath.
” i told you to leave and you decide to play smart with me huh?. No one messes with my family soldier, no one!” He yelled shoving me up even when he was an inch shorter than me he knew exactly how to keep me in place at the moment.
” Babe! What are you doing? Let him go now!” Came the voice of his wife i now learnt was Paula.
He threw me down instantly and i gulped for some air panting heavily as i touched my neck.
” what the hell man. Am just here to talk to you. ” i managed to say at last as Ackim shot angry eyes at me. His wife came to were i sat concerned.
” are you okey Steven?” She asked touching my hand.
” am okey Paula thank you. You are so kind i smiled looking at her face and back at the fuming Ackim i knew he wanted to tear me apart for giving his wife that look.
” my love stay away from this man.” He shouted at her.
” but bab….”
” Paula go and watch the kids, please” he tried to calm down holding her hand up.
” okey, please don’t do anything stupid. You have to calm down now” she moved close to him and he tried to smile at her.
” yeah anything for you love. Now go” he responded and she walked away turning back to look at me and i waved her pissing Ackim more.
“You jerk, you and me out!” He pointed at the door and i stood up smiling.
” finally i got your attention general” i smiled pulling down my t-shirt and walking out with him tagging himself behind me.
” its about time!” I raised my hands turning to look at him when we got to the back where a beautiful garden was.
The Game Changer Episode 4 by Tisa Phiri
He looked at me without a blink, searching my face like he was looking for something in particular. His stance ready to react in case i tried anything funny with him.
I cleared my throat finding a steel metal chair planted in the garden and sitting on it relaxing myself like i was home.
I looked at him for a second in silence too. Ackim could be brave and fearless but i was too. Him and me got the same training and i was not to be intimidated by him.
Without him asking why i went which i could tell was the only thing he wanted to hear and i disappearing afterwards, i started narrating what Makasa had told me from the prison.
” the whole operation was a scam, i was made to think those mercenaries were sent by the opposition to over throw the then government, but now i have been told it was a plan devised by a group of soldiers who were not happy with the government of that day. They worked in hand with some ministers and outside donors.
My own group was part of this scam and shockingly i was left in the dark all along. Someone from the top uncovered the truth and told the president. Afraid everything would fail, my crew, including my trusted friends who knew wanted it to look like only one or two of us were working for the enemy, so what did they do? ” i sighed looking up as i felt myself getting angrly.
” the b******s skimmed a plan to kill me and another soldier, the only people who were innocent and in the dark. If not for the good people that took me in when i was half dead, they could have succeeded. It was easy to put the blame on the dead right?” I added looking at Ackim accusingly.
” well, they never succeeded beacuse this black man here” i said pointing my finger at myself, can not easily be put out.
” asking why i was flamed for things i didnt do? You know what that son of a bi*th told me” i laughed teasingly.
” that i was dispensable, that i was a drug addict who everyone would believe because i sometimes exibited unstability in my actions” i frowned now my anger back i felt like hitting something.
Ackim who now looked at me acknowledging the reason for my outrage, shook his head i could not disapher, whether it was for pity or disappointment.
” and, okey” he started pausing and looking down at me as he was still standing leaning on the wall.
” let me get this straight Steve, in all this your story, you think i got something to do with it?” He asked making wrinkles on his face i wondered if he was being faithful or he was playing with me.
” and you don’t?” I asked instead.
” you damn idiot, you plan to kill me and live this luxury life. I loose everything i had and cannot even go back to the army because every one thinks am dead and a traitor to my country and you play damp with me!” I yelled now charging towards him and pushing hin around in fury , he kept stepping back and forth without reacting.
I raised by blow to hit his face but he saw it coming and held my hand up landing a blow in my chest. I lost it and pounced him back kicking him to the ground and he stepped up quickly sending knockles back at me.
” i have no damn idea what you are talking about you jerk, i was retired immediately after the mission from Mozambique ended” he shouted explaining as we continued fighting like in a fight match.
” i only came to give guidelines to you guys cause the president needed my speciality guide on how you were to take down the rest of the enemies.” He explained pushing me back and i staggered falling on the metal chair hitting my back.
” you lying b******, i saw you, we went together in the woods. Dont you dare lie to me.” I screamed standing and going after him again but because of my anger, my fighting was unstable as compared to his. He launched another blow in my head and i staggered back again.
” they wanted me to lead you up to the camp idiot! They never told you so because i was no longer in the force. Your crew needed me to that point and that was it. I left the same night and am surprised you never knew cause i told Jacob the truth before i left. I assumed he would tell you all what was going on. I have not been active since then and honestly i dont give a damn what your friends are up to. Am happy living my life and i dont want my family to be exposed to any danger” he yelled now panting and sitting down looking seriously at me.
I walked around calming myself now, i felt stupid to have had thought he was part of the scam. I bow my head down and for the first time since i came back from the jungle i felt sorry for myself.
I started shedding tears.. ” i was left to die man, i knew nothing about what they were up to. All i wanted was to serve my dear country and this is how am paid back. My life is over. If i was to walk to the gate of the military they will gun me down like a criminal. Every one even my family thinks i betrayed my country by working with the mercenaries and the opposition to bring down the government. This sucks man, it sucks and i hate everyone that put me here!” I whispered with so much anger in me.
Ackim now sorry for me squat before me and patted my folded leg. ” am so sorry man, i had no idea what you went through. I was also told the same story of you being a traitor, in fact three ministers were killed based on the same blame. I had questioned that action but now its clear.
I swear i had no idea what the guys had planned. I had thought Jacob and Mberere were just starting their politics and resigning from the service for good but now your story makes me think they had it all planned out and whover is sponsoring them has interest in something big.” He shook his head.
” am sorry Steve, trully sorry, i know you were a good soldier. You could be a junky and all but you had the best insterest of the country at heart” he sighed standing up and facing the small garden.
I stood up and walked to him as he kept his hands in his pockets. ” you will help me take them down” i said more like requesting.
” what?” He sharply looked at me.
” we cannot let them get away with this man Jacob is not the kind of person to let lead this country. The guy is a jerk who will ruin us all, if we let him lead this country Ackim. Am asking as a friend. There is more to this and am about to get it all out. I will not rest until i see to it those three get what they deserve even if it kills me. But am one man Ackim, i need you” i spoke without looking at hom.
” no man, am sorry, i can’t. I retired for a reason. You see those guys in there?” He looked back at the house.
” those are my life now, am not going to do anything to jeopardise their lives. Unlike you i give a damn about what happens to me cause of them. No way am going back to handle such issues man. Am done, am sorry” he sighed walking back.
” your family will not live well if you allow that man to be president Ackim. Jacob by now knows am alive. He will hunt me down to make sure i don’t get the truth out and Makasa sold you out for a reason. He knew i would come for you man. So whatever s*** am involved in now you are part of it!” I shouted and he stopped instantly looking back at me.
” your family is still in danger man” i added shaking my head.
” say that again and i swear i will….”
” what? Kill me?” I shook my head.
” we both dead men when Jacob comes for us. We only two men and he has most of the army on his side now. Think of it man. We are the only ones that have to stop him.” I told him as he paced around his hands still deep in the pockets.
” i know someone who can help. Come on in Steve” he indicated, inviting me to go in i smiled happy i had him on my side.
” Thank you for this man” i responded as i followed him behind. He stood before opening the back door.
” stay the hell away from my wife and kids. Mess with them and ….:”
” i know man, i can’t do that, trust me.” I nodded my head at him.
” and another thing. No getting high in front of my family. No dope man or you are out before we get this thing going.” He added pointing at me.
I raised my hand noding. ” thats right” i answered and he opened the door walking us in. Paula came out looking at him and back at me.
” you guys okey now?” She asked looking at her husband in particular.
” yes babe, this is Steven he will stay a couple of days with us just to settle something. Is that okey?” He asked holding his wife’s shoulder.
” yeah sure, any friend to my husband is welcome to this house” she smiled looking at me.
” he’s not my friend” he smiled looking at me too.
” he’s just a soldier i knew a long time, and needs some quick help before he leaves for good” he let a laugh and his wife and i smiled togethe, i knew he was being serious though. His protective instincts of his family so evident.
” whatever man, thank you again” i shrugged.
Hours later, i had my truck parked in his yard. He came were i sat watching some soccer after taking the meals i was served by his wife. He handed me a pair of clothes, ” get a bath and change man, we are heading out in 30″
” okey” i stood up and followed him as he showed me the bathroom.
Minutes later we were parked outside the city waiting for whoever was to help us. I had no idea who it was as Ackim assured me they were the best men to give us a hand.
” you sure they are coming” i asked after 20 minutes of waiting.
” take it easy soldier, i always want to be early. they still have 10 minutes before our agreed time. They will show up don’t worry.” He smiled at me.
I pulled a ciggarate and placed it on my lips as i pulled a lighter from my pockets and lighting it.
” want some? ” i handed him the pack.
” no thanks. My woman took me off that years back. Am clean” he sighed leaning back in the car seat.
” she’s got you hooked huh?” I smiled rubbing my finger on the burnt part of the cigger and putting it back to my mouth.
” you have no idea, but am not complaining. Shes the reason am where i am today and she has given so much of herself for me i would never trade her for anything else in the world man” he smiled looking through the side mirrow as the vehicle lights from the vehicle approaching us shined brightly.
” thats why am helping you to make things right. I will not let anything bad happen to those guys there. Atleast not as long as am alive.” He sighed pushing open the door as the other vehicle pulled on the other side of the small dusty raod we had parked.
” well, you have it right my man. I give you a hand. I wish i had something like you have to keep me going” i told him honestly as we walked to meet four guys who stood straight up like they were on a parade.
” good evening guys, good to see you again, its been a while ” Ackim greeted them standing in from of the guys and i stood next to him ready to hear his plan
…to be continued
