Delayed Diagnosis Episode 7

Delayed Diagnosis Episode 7
Written by Kingsley Olanrewaju Efughi

We looked at each other for seconds..and I could tell the way I held the pestle had him shaking in fear. The dude was at least 3-4 inches taller than me at about 6″2 but the way I held the pestle made good angle with his head
Andy’s wife had run after me and she began stammering with her eyes still glassy (but this time from the threat of tears). I didn’t hear a word she said..my own mind was thinking of a way to kill 3 birds with one pestle..here was the Chief’s son:
It was extremely possible he knew about and was probably a part of his father’s activities.
He had been nailing Andy’s wife..for God knows how long(has to pay for that).
On no circumstance must he see the Mercedes which was parked outside.
“Look guy..I’m sorry I’d pay you any amount lemme just get the walk here”
“My friend go down on your knees” I motioned the pestle at him.
Which turned out to be a big mistake. Withllightening reflexes he had the stick out of hand and rolled it intimidatingly forcing me back.
“You shouldn’t try a black belt..big mistake”
At this point cheating Mona found her voice “Emmy leave him you need to go please”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing “Mona you are very useless..’Emmy?’
How could you do Andy like this”
Emenike jabbed me in the chest quite painfully..”watch it guy…wait you mean” he turned to Mona you mean this guy is not even your husband?”
He raised the stick up and till today I’d never know if he truly meant to hit me or if he wanted me to flinch so he could laugh at me. Because although he talked tough he left the impression that he couldn’t really go all the way…but then again he had a black belt.

Raw and controlled electricity shot into Emenike from a tazer..it was Mona..she pushed his body on the bed and her eyes were crystal..”sit down” she ordered.
I was just getting up from the floor were I had been expecting or half expecting a fatal blow.
“I’d rather stand thank you”
“Sit down I need to explain everything to you”
“Save it for Andy don’t worry”
She was quiet..she crossed Emenike’s body and as she got closer I edeged back..but she dropped the tazer on the bedside table instead..
“I work with the one you call strange eyes..we call him A.j for agent John ..fake name of course..that’s his field Na-“
I interrupted her “I already have an appropriate name for him..get to the point..”
She took a deep breath as i eyed the tazer and considered my chances in using it on her..id probably end up ‘shocking’ myself.
“I began dating Andy about 3 years ago as
part of my undercover work into the chief’s
life. I raised a hand halting her.
“How is Andy connected to the Chief?
“Not really connected to the Chief..more like to Fome..through your budding relationship with her at the time..when you moved we all knew marriage was coming so i beat you to tieing the knot with Andy.”

I blinked “so you married him just as part of the job..? What kind of rubbish is that..”
“I swear I love Andy very much..I just got carried away with him..” She pointed at Emenike who was beginning to move..she tazed him again sending him on a short sponsored trip to oblivion.
I shook my head..this was hard to swallow..so Andy had been married to a job..an alter ego..I eyed her carefully probably the reason they had no kids yet..I knew Andy was eager.
I looked at Chiefs son..then looked back at her “so what have you learnt?”
“That’s classified only A.J is privvy to such content”
“I’d advice you to unclassify it unless your ‘husband’ is going to learn about this..your call”
There was no mental struggle “what do you want to know”
“That easy..it seems you believe you love Andy?”
“I really do” she said earnestly.
“Tell me where Fome is?”
“As at yesterday strange eyes and a group
agents intercepted her at the marina..but I don’t know how she got past them”
“Why does strange eyes want her?”
“She has sensitive information about the chief which could put him away for life”
My instinct told me there was more. I brought out my phone as if to snap Emenike who was only in briefs.
“I’m sure Andy won’t have any problem recognising the carpet”
“OK..her hands are also not clean too..she’s as wanted as the chief..and strange eyes wants her more it seems.”
I digested this information…which was hard to swallow.
“The chief..where is he now..?”
“He has been in his operations house for the past week now.” She seemed to answer each question mechanically. Like a robot.
My hair stood.. “Operations house. What’s the address” when she recounted the address my suspicion was confirmed that was neither his surulerw address or his family house..that had to be that house I had woken up I’m..weeks ago.
“When did you find out about this house”
She looked at me “we’ve had that information for a year”
“And Strange eyes…A.j..?”
“He was the one who got the Intel.”
The bastard..I thought to myself..
“Write the address down”
She glanced at Emenike and at me again.I nodded reassuringly. “Its alright”
I took the piece of paper once she handed it to me .then demanded for clean clothes..i demanded she taze Emenike a little again to be sure he stayed down.I took the bag..’would change in the car’ i reasoned then eyed the tazer only when I reached the door did I turn “Mona..or whatever you real name is..your duty was above your spouse and I understand that..I can even respect that..the same way you also understand and respect that my duty is too my friend”
I moved to the door..convinced her arms weren’t fast enough to pick up the tazer and reach me.
“I can’t keep your dirty secret because you don’t deserve Andy”
I hurried to the car grabbing the bag of clothes in one hand and the car key and address in another. I entered the car and backed out from the entrance talking myself up to a showdown with the Chief.

But the showdown would have to wait. Body no be firewood..in the past 48 hours I had been bested in two physical confrontation,been inches away from death on two very serious occasions..seen a close friend draw her last breath..been zapping from one part of Lagos to another..all though the smooth handling of the car made that part fun..I needed rest not to talk of food..I had been hungry for so long I no longer felt it. But Andy was foremost on my mind even if Mona loved him, he was just a pawn on strange eyes’ chess board. The time was 6:55pm I needed to change my clothes then get rid of the car..I felt like it was a red beacon giving away my movement easily..besides the risk was too much for my liking..I made up my mind to contact Ada to the location I would leave the car. I bought water from the road side. This would have to do..I could only wash my face no comfort of having a bath for now.

I cruised through the neighbourhood until I saw what could suit my plans..it was an over night church crusade ground..the parking lot was already almost filled and I chose a suitable spot to park. The car drew a lot of stares from people who remained outside..still setting up chairs for outside because inside wouldn’t hold everybody. I put on the trousers then washed my face thoroughly with the water I had bought. I studied the result in the side mirror and wasn’t really satisfied but there was nothing to be done for now. I put on the shirt I had collected from Andy’s house and made as if to enter the church for the sake of the eyes following me but at the last moment I diverted yo where a group of elderly men stood hurdled together I. Discussion. I took them to be security or ushers judging by the coloured vests they had o ..the type most company’s encourage most workers to put on for safety purposes.
“Good evening” they didn’t spare me a glance.
“Please my battery just died and I’ve been looking for my sister..she was supposed to wait for me while I parked the car” I pointed to my phone while I spoke..hoping a call or notification wouldn’t light up The screen.
The men looked at me in annoyance like I was disturbing them.then continued their discussion in hushed tones.
“I just need to make a call..I’d pay for the credit”
A phone was thrust in my face.
“Thank you..” I moved away a bit..thinking Andy’s phone might have a bug from Mona already but I felt I should take precautions s from hence forth.
He picked up on the first ring “Rex..”
“Hello..Andy we need to-wait how did you know it was me”
“With another phone too” Andy murmured into the phone lost in thought.
“Andy we need to meet..not in your house..let’s go to the bar..its really important”
“Why did you ask about Fumi that time you called?”
I was disorganised “fumi..when..oh” bloodied images flooded my mind as I mentioned Fumi’s name..
“Rex I just got a funny call now..I don’t know what to think..”
“Andy you need to trust me” I said desperately..
“Fumi is dead you know that?”
“Andy listen to me..Mona is a fraud she was fucking around when I got to your home today..we need to meet face to face its too sensitive for the phone..”
“Rex did you hear yourself..Fumi is dead! I don’t know what you have gotten into but I don’t want to be next..I have a wife Rex”
I let out a frustrated sound. “Okay just give me at 10 minutes”
He was quiet. Then “I’d call you on your cell..let me get home first
“My phone is bugged..yours might be too..yout don’t need to get home first..”
“Look you are scaring me..I shouldn’t even be talking to you not after what I just heard..but you’re like my bro so I can’t believe without hearing you out..I hope my foolishness doesn’t get me killed”
“I swear man..that’s why I need to see you..I need to warn you about some things..”
The owner of the phone had come to stand beside me..using his eyes to get my attention which I ignored.
“I’d call you I promise .lemme wash up and spend sometime with the wife..before ten I’d call you and we’d meet in my car outside my house”
I had to take what I could..”OK..but text instead..I think our phones are tapped”

I had about 3 hours before 10. So I decided to get something to eat and get accommodation out of the way..I couldn’t keep on spending money like this..after grasping 250 mil then watching the it disappear..I was determined to be prudent
with my hard earned money. I wouldnt be surprised if strange eyes is with the papers. I stopped a bike and gave him directions to a close by inn. Nothing fancy I needed as much anonymity as possible.
I shut my eyes as the bike sped off..enjoying the feel of the breeze and making a conscious effort to stay awake lest I lean back in search of comfort.

What is that annoying sound..so familiar..? I forced my eyes open and located my phone..the alarm was ringing and ringing..I snoozed it and was about sleeping again when it started ringing…abi is it 5 minutes again so soon?..I forced my
eyes open then decided on having a shower again. It was 9:35 I had gotten something to eat, had my bathe then slept off..remembering to set the alarm for 9:30 which means I had slept the snooze time as well. I had chosen a hotel about 5 minutes from Andy’s place and after having my bathe I checked my messages..nothing yet.although I still had about 20 minutes. I decided to get close to his house and wait for his message.

As I passed the night clerk whose office was behind the door. I had an idea..I backtracked to the office
“Good evening bross” he sat up thinking I was a new costumer.
“Well done o..na me dey room 22”
“Okay well done bros..you need anything..?” He wiggled his eyes suggestively “we get many gals Ooo”
I had lots of frustrations going on with me but sexual frustration was down the list..maybe number 3″
“A beg this your cap na him I want”
He touched his cap absentmindedly “my cap?”
“Abeg I go tear you 1k”
The clerk looked at me in surprise..the cap which was printed with the hotel’s logo had seen better days and now had a faded look and stains I dared not contemplate.
Without wasting time.. The transaction was done and I hurried from the stuffy office with the night clerk hailing my retreating back.
I strolled to Andy’s house, staying in the shadows on the opposite side which wasn’t hard considering there was power outage and not everybody had their generator on. I checked the time: 21:52pm
I idly wondered when my clock time had been switched to 24 hour format..I hated it. I replaced the phone because the light made me stand out from the shadows..I passed by a woman selling Akara and yam and considered topping up the swallow I had eaten less than 3 hours ago (not necessarily out of hunger but who knew when next I’d be chanced)
I kept on moving and could see Andy’s house in the distance..I placed my hand on my phone through my pocket to be sure it hadnt vibrated without me knowing. Nothing..I was adjacent to Andy’s home and was considering standing under an empty tree or in the empty shop close to it when a form emerged from the shadows just next to Andy’s home. His generator was on but his outside light was off and I was only able to make up the form by the little light coming behind the curtains of what was maybe the toilet or store of the house judging by the small size.
My breath caught in fear as I studied the figure..unless my brain was playing tricks on me that was an old person I couldn’t spot the face well but I could tell it was the very same old woman I had seen in the women’s toilet..the same ‘old woman’ Fumi had identified as her killer before passing away.
A part of me hoped she would pass on..but when she stood at Andy’s porch in contemplation I knew I had to move fast..I dropped down noislessly and searched the ground around me..still keeping my eyes on the woman as she took her first step towards the house..my hands picked up different rubbish.. Coke can, papers small stones..but nothing heavy..I knelt down in desperation and moved my arms randomly with much speed. I grabbed a stick..it had moderate weight but with enough force..it could knock any one out cold..not to mention an old woman..by this time she had climbed the 3 short stairs and was wobbling her way to the door. I bent down and moved towards her..quickening my pace but spacing my legs so as not to make any noise with trouser friction..Any noise and she’d turn at me and probably gun me down..and that wasn’t an option. She seemed to be going for the bell without knocking or trying her luck with the door and as she raised her finger just inches away I was upon her. She began to turn at the last moment probably sensing my presence I brought down the stick hard..catching her on the side of the head..she went down easily.
Things happened at once..my phone vibrated..I heard feet from inside Andy’s home then :”I keep forgetting to put on this outside light whenever I put on the gen”
The light came on illuminating me and the old woman..I looked at her face and almost fainted..that face looked familiar..but I could swear she wasn’t the one who pointed a gun at me earlier in the day”
The door opened and Andy stopped short as he stepped outside “Rex..I just sent you a text..let’s go to my..”
His eyes widened as he saw the woman..then the stick..he looked at me in horror.
“Rex..My God..what have you done to Alhaja?”

I was stunned “Alhaja?” That was Andy’s neighbour “I thought she was a killer..the same one that killed Fome”
Andy looked at me in horror “My God!! What has come over you..? Since when did you go about hitting old unsuspecting women on the head?”
I bent down to feel her pulse..it was faint.
“We need to get her to the hospital quick”
I glanced around..wondering if anyone could see us..”switch off your lights first”
“God would punish that your mouth..look here Rex once we get her to the hospital..I’m handing you over to the police..the way you think and your actions..that isn’t the Rex I know..now I believe you could have easily murdered Fumi”
His words cut me but then I thought about it..he was probably right..I mean I might have just killed a 70 something year old woman all because of my carelessness and fear..not to mention Fumi..my greed and cowardice probably cost her her life.
andy was shouting for his wife to bring out his car key. Mona ran out and her shock went through different stages..from seeing me with her husband..thinking I had been ratting her out,then noticing their neighbour out cold on the floor. “What happened to alhaja?”
Andy and I carried her down the steps..his mouth was drawn in a disapproving line and I feared he would tell his wife just how I had clobbed their next door neighbour on The head
“Alhaja fainted” I said in explanation this was the last thing strange eyes should ever hear
I began to say my prayer as we loaded her in the back seat. There was no blood and I
took this as a sign of hope.
“I’d call you from the hospital” Andy shouted to his wife as he started his car.
We sped towards the hospital. Andy had always been a very boring and slow driver always maintaining the speed limit. Most people made fun of him for this.but I knew his elder brother had been knocked down before his eyes by a drunk danfo driver trying to dodge the police. Andy and his brother who had been older with 2 years had been walking from church been discussing the way young boys do. Andy had been closest to the road..but sometime during their animated movements their positions had switched. Minutes after, the bus had come barreling and hit his brother with such force.
It was a known fact..and I had preferred taking public transport on occasions I didn’t drive to work: Andy didn’t speed.
But not that night.. The ‘Alhaja’ was slipping in and out of consciousness and I
was praying..leaning back frequently to check her pulse. Andy literally put the pedal to the metal and I was surprised at his smooth handle zipping through traffic at high speed like a formula1 driver.
A private hospital was the nearest and their response was swift. I had half been expecting Andy to point at me when we were asked what the cause to her concussion was. But he had said she was his neighbour and had been robbed by an unknown assailant who had fled from the scene when he himself had heard noise and come outside.
The nurse looked a bit sceptic but had nodded..”you’ll need to fill this forms” she handed two different forms to mr and Andy. “Someone from the police would be here shortly to get your statements”
I hoped I didn’t flinch visibly. Andy nodded too dazed to stand he sat down and I followed, we were the only ones in that side of the waiting room apart from a man who sat dozing at the other end.
“Tell me what’s going on” we both stared at the sleeping man who was snoring soundly. Both of us seemed lost. I was thinking about my actions truly I had been an ambassador for violence in the past days. If this old woman lost her life I didn’t know how I could live with myself. ‘What if it was the intended woman would I have been able to stand it? I asked myself some serious soul searching going on…I only had to remember Fumi’s lifeless eyes to decide I could do it.
With that logic..I could kill the chief then..after all he had unleashed the assassin on me..hadn’t he..?
I brought myself back to the present Andy had asked me a question but looked like he didn’t want to hear the answer. To late for that now because I intended to burden him with my woes

“So you mean this strange eyes person is a federal agent?” Andy asked for like the third time
“Yes” I checked the watch this was 12:45pm. No word from the doctors since they had wheeled alhaja’s body into the emergency ward. I think I saw something like ‘head trauma unit’ on the door.
It seemed the doctors had forgotten about us and a part of me was okay with that for the time being..if they forgot about us then they couldn’t give us the bad news.
I had filled Andy in on my present status..homeless and extremely wanted..although I could see who couldn’treally comprehend the personality of the Chief. “How can someone who plays with that kind of money and is involved in many illegal activities be able to lay low all this while without drawing the attention of the law?”
“The DSS are onto him actually” I yawned..I was beginning to feel sleepy..after talking for an hour straight I was really tired.
“Then how come they haven’t taken him down since..?so nothing from Fome’ since”
It seemed Andy had no plans of sleeping..might as well have it out now.
“Andy..Mona isn’t who you think she is” I waited from an objection from him because when it came to his wife..the sun seemed to shine out of her behind to Andy. But he was resigned quiet.
“She was cheating on you bro..I saw her today when I went to your home..she said it was the first time but..”I let the silence say the rest.
“Its my fault” Andy said quietly
I had been dozing but my eyes opened at once..I searched Andy’s face expecting the worst.
“She refused to go off the pill..she doesn’t want children..I don’t know why..I found out she was still on it without my consent so I decided no sex until all the effects wore out”.
If circumstances had been normal, I would have laughed and laughed. I shook my head at Andy in amazement “you practically fed her to the dogs then..you see a woman like Mona..haba now”
“But why wouldn’t she want children now”
“Because her job can’t allow it” I replied quietly. I had been debating whether I should reveal her identity too but decided if she could reveal it to me..then how much more her husband.
He looked at me vaguely..”interior designs?..she would have all the time in the world”
“True but I mean her real job.”
He looked at me questioningly and I obsereved the waiting room..noticing the other man was still snoring away in his corner.
I replied Andy..lowering my voice “she is a federal agent Andy..she said she married you because of the chief and because we were friends and when i moved here with Fome she had to tie the knot with you..that was how she put it.”
Andy looked incredulous “and you believed that..look Rex if you truly know me you go know say woman no fit play me like that..it can’t work”
“Bro I say she dey taze this guy for my front..okay..you don ever see tazer for your house before?”
“Wettin we wan dey use am for?”
“But she hold better one” I struggled to control my voice “the guy wey she been dey with na the Chief first son..she tell me say she dey try use am track Chief”
He shook his head “Rex it is not possible..Mona DSS?. ” he laughed I. Disbelief as he stood up. “Make I go hunt down that doctor..or that fat nurse them no fit just leave us like this na”
I watched him leave shaking my head..he was in denial simply! Didn’t even want to consider the possibility..I mimicked the way he called her name ‘Mona’ ‘Mona’…this one is jot Mona Lisa..Andy she cheated on you…his reaction had seemed resigned..and I had the impression he knew about or suspected it before..and I wondered if he was truly up front with me.
So immersed in my thoughts I was that I didn’t notice when the sleeping man had stopped snoring..and gotten up. He put off the light and..I at first thought it was power outage then remembered the gen was on and could still hear it sounding faintly through the open window. My ‘spider senses’ no matter how late began to alert me to the snoring man..no longer snoring and the silence was a conscious one..the kind you had to be awake to maintain. My Insides began jumping again but I stayed calm and tried my best to focus I had nothing in my hand and I didn’t think it wise to try to use my phone for light..that would give away my position ..
No sooner were this thoughts in my mind that I was grabbed by behind..in a solid grip..I felt it on my troat and a sarcastic part of my brain was like ‘of course..Na knife remain’ but the blade point was sharp and pointed and I knew this was no knife but a dagger.
“Please..”
“Shhhh…silence would advocate greatly for you..”
I was silent..his accent was strange..stranger still was the feel of the blade resting on my neck.
“Tomorrow you go to Apapa general hospital. Head to the diagnostic branch..ask for Dr.Rasheed..no appointment..tell him you’re the one with delayed diagnosis”
“Delayed what?”
“Whatever he tells you..pay heed”
he moved the blade a bit..ensuring I went totally still..
“I..
“Tomorrow is the only open window yo will have..if not the tip of the spear shall visit you.”
That didn’t sound like a metaphor at the moment.
Where the hell was Andy?.
“Are u with strange eyes?’
The man tensed and I could tell he was offended I cursed my mouth that had found a way to annoy the one person I the world you shouldn’t: the one holding the dagger to your throat.
He loosened his hold and eased away..the room was pitch black I couldn’t see anything..I heard his voice and was relieved he was some distance away from me.
“Somehow you have landed in the middle of what you can not understand..Dr. Rasheed tomorrow..no appointment”
I stood still for almost ten minutes when I heard voices..Andy’s and a deeper voice..probably the doctor..
“Who put off the lights” the doctor demanded as he put it on again.
I was alone in the room..no surprise there.
Andy came closer..”the doctor said her condition is still critical but he expects her to get stable before .morning “
I nodded.
“Mona called me..she said she’d be coming with Alhaja’s husband in the morning..he’s very old” he explained to the doctor who was studying me.
“Are you okay?” He asked me
I nodded “who was the man waiting here before?”
He shrugged, we have many cases every night..the hospital is this quiet because of our selfless service”
I turned to Andy “but you saw him abi,”
“Yes..that was sleeping..what happened?”
A word is always enough for the wise..and if I had been foolish before, I wasn’t anymore”
“No o..nothing”
I looked at the doctor
“So she’ll be alright?”

I nudged Andy awake by 5:30. He sat up his eyes not yet open. I placed the Mercedes keys in his shirt pocket..with a written note to the address of the crusade ground I parked the car the previous night. “Give this to Mona tell her to get it to Ada” he nodded sleepily and I thought:wake up Andy! You say your wife isn’t a spy but you’ll collect something like this no questions asked?
But why bother. I was tired..I had slept in an upright position and my neck was giving me hell..he was still stretched out on the 3 sitter.immediately I stood up his eyes flew open “where are you going?”
“Lemme check on the doctor.”its morning already”
He nodded and slept back. I guess no work for you today too. I thought as I watched him.
I didn’t see the doctor and had to head to the reception before I saw ant kind of life..The fat nurse Lady was already up and shuffling some files.
“Morning.”
She looked at me “Morning”
“I can’t find the doctor who attended to me last night..concerning my grandmother..we brought her in last night..the head injury”
She looked at me carefully as if picturing my face.
“You’ll need to check back..the doctor is not around”
“What do you mean..how is my grand mother?”
“She is stable but she needs to be left alone..her skull is fragile..we just thank God..the stick wasn’t very strong or it was someone with little strength that hit her..of course the cowards are always weak!” She spat the words out in contempt. And I nodded in agreement..it had to be the stick. weak ke?..thank God the stick wasn’t strong..
Satisfied with this information for now..I eased out of the hospital..if I had to be at the General hospital that day I couldn’t be found waiting around here when the police turned up..no way I was putting myself in that kind of situation again.
The street was already ripe with movement..I could hear the prayer call from a near by mosque..I stopped a bike and gave the address of the hotel I had lodged the night before..it now seemed a waste of money but I planned to get some rest.

I woke up hours after. the man in the hospital hadn’t mentioned any time..and I had no plan to get there too early..I was in no rush to find out whatever life had dished me because the appetizer alone had left an unpleasant after taste. I had my bath then used my ATM..I needed a lot of handy cash for what I had in mind.
It was a well known make up outfit i headed to, they also ran an entrepreneur development program where they issued certificates “jossies make up school” wouldnt seem like the appropriate place to get my appearance altered but the jossie in question had been a childhood friend of my eldest sister Cynthia, and I had met her on different occasions when my sister came to Lagos to visit me.
I arrived at the school by 10 am sharp. I hadn’t been here in over a year..the last time Cynthia came visiting with her family..females was the higher population of students learning there but the irony is I saw more male teachers..I located Jossy’s office..knocked and stuck my head in. She was on the phone but her eyes widened in delight when she saw me. She gestured I get in. Her eyes still fixed behind me probably expecting to see my sister next.
“No problem..we have till Thursday..Alright thanks”
She put down the phone “Obasi..long time no see..una just put me for corner forget me abi”
Jossie was in her early fifties if I would guess but Cynthia said she was 49. She was busty and her hair was greying out already. But it gave her an aristocratic and older look when combined with her medicated glasses but she was beautiful and very jovial.
“Where our sister dey” she began opening a stainless flask. Jossie was a tea freak
“Cynthia still dey pH o” I replied thinking of how to line up my request without talking too much..because she also liked to talk.
“You must drink Tetley with me o..the weather is chilly”
“At ten in the morning? Find me beer jare”
She laughed but proceeded to fill the second cup.
“How about our wife Fome? Its been long o” she poured a healthy portion of milk into my cup then passed it indicating sugar in a bowl on the tray.
This was the perfect opening..”actually eh”..I turned the tea ignoring the sugar “that is why I’m here..”
She sipped from her cup and watched me intently..she liked stories oh yes she did.
“I want to propose to fome’ tonight” her breath caught and she clapped in surprise “that is just wonderful..you two fit each other perfectly..that’s wonderful!”
I’m not so sure..I thought to myself but smiled in reply as she said
“So what do I do..you just name it”
I went for it..”I want to play a little trick on her..what I need from you is to alter my looks..make me unrecognizable..grey hair..anything…its your field after all”
She looked at me doubtedly “what kind of trick”
“We are supposed to meet somewhere tonight..I’d be late then turn up looking Like this older different person then just get one knee then propose to her from nowhere.my friend would be videoing the whole thing”
That was the selling point..”that is soon sweet..I wish papa Andrew did something like that for me..instead its ‘Im going to marry you oo’ me self been dey happy that time…” She went off for some minutes then brought herself back. “I must see that video o..”
‘Don’t worry I’d get you one specially” I assured her.
She studied me closely
“Hmm..we could make you look 60 or 70..grey eye brows..grey head..but we’d have to bald you in the middle” she continued assessing me as I flinched in horror.
I touched my hair. weekly visits to the barber helped keep it at a certain level..but if I needed to be bald so be it..who afro help self.
“I think..fake tribal marks to alter your features..your cheeks are too smooth baby face….then..lemme see…”
She studied me more then..”wendy is in a better position..let her write the list but show me first before she begins anything..”
She smiled coyly as I stood up “anything she writes..you know you have to buy from Our store..they would be yours..I won’t charge you for the work don’t worry”
“Thanks jossy I’d bring the video once its developed”
I looked forward to having my features changed to an old man..jossy’s make up team were insanely good and had been used in some high budget movies. When I turned up at the hospital for one Dr. Rasheed I didn’t intend to be easily identifiable the way I had been. I toyed with the idea of calling Andy if he still had the key and dropping it off at the boutique with the note somewhere Ada or her mother could see it..they could look at me and see an old man..the thought was sweet. I waited on Wendy as she ran around getting different materials from Their store house. I reflected on what the man in the hospital had said..”the tip of the spear shall visit you”..Kidon was the tip of the spear in Hebrew and a section under the israeli intelligence agency MOSSAD which handled all killings deemed necessary by the powers that be was called Kidon meaning the tip of the spear…I laughed out at where my thoughts were going. ‘Where did I even learn that one from’ I wondered to myself..must have read it somewhere..but everything about the man’s approach had been foreign..although i didnt pay him a seconds notice back at the hospital when he was snoring just few feet from me and Andy. (Funny how this our brain works)a
I watched Wendy’s bouncy bosum as she approached me with bags..”All right..let’s begin” she squealed.

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