Delayed Diagnosis Episode 5

Delayed Diagnosis Episode 5
Written by Kingsley Olanrewaju Efughi

She slowed down the car and trafficated to a popular eatery..I was trying to maintain a cool front but I was observing left and right closely. “Are you really that hungry?” I asked as she killed the ignition.

“Rex I don’t joke with food oh..I can eat ehn!”
I smiled and got down from the car first..I looked around the parking lot carefully, it was deserted save for a family of four taking pictures before they got into their car..I relaxed when I saw she highlighted from the car without her purse but held her ATM card.
“Pos?” I asked
“yes I don’t like carrying cash around”
“I don’t expect you to pay for anything”
She rolled her eyes “Rex your magazine is taking me to the next level.I can’t ever pay you back”

It seems I came to my senses..here we were standing outside..inviting the ‘gala seller’ a potential attacker instead of hurrying to safety.
“I’m actually very hungry suddenly” she held out her hand (a habit she was fond of and I took it)

When we stepped through the sliding doors, i let out a sigh of relief..and i foolishly thought i had escaped strange eyes. I made up my mind to give him a stern warning all this mind games had to stop..for a professional, he was fond of amateur games. I found out i didnt really need to force myself to eat..although i ate lightly..you know beans is a musical food..and i wasnt ready to perform in front of her kind of company. Our conversation ranged from her school life, to social..to family..i noted she avoided talking about her father and i wasnt prepared to ask, honestly I was quite fed up with the chief and was finding his beautiful daughter as a welcome distraction. She asked me questions about my family and career..

“It must really be fun..managing magazines and such…I guess you sleep with a lot of models” she said slyly..staring at me as she sipped her drink..letting the straw play on her tongue with the ring glinting.
I almost choked on my drink..I forced it down..smiled at her then decided to play it wild also “you know something” i lowered my voice and whispered “thats the best part”
She laughed..”something about your honesty is refreshing”

She looked at me in a way that got me hot and I gave myself a mental shake..what was going on? I had to put things in balance..this girl was the definition of seduction.
“Ada look..I’m here for professional purposes only..I don’t want-“
“Rex you need to calm down and learn to have fun..its so easy to mess with you” she seemed sincere and I was both relieved and disappointed..I signaled for the bill. “We should be heading back..we need to round up the plans..and draw out a suitable plan” what was I saying??..I felt bad when she stood up..she looked at me and I couldn’t read her expression..”you are right..I’m soo excited” but she didn’t sound so anymore.

I paid the bill and we left in silence..with me kicking myself mentally. She was several steps ahead of me and I actually fvcked up by not paying attention. I was replaying our exchange in my mind..wondering what I should have done right..her voice carried to my ears from outside..”please..I said I don’t want gala..can’t you hear!”

My brain jump started and I ran outside in just few steps..I saw a tall man..really young and very black just as he snatched her necklace from her throat. and took off..he threw his carton of gala which he had been pretending to sell and pushed her roughly..I was already in motion and broke her fall with my outstretched hand but couldn’t stop her from landing on the floor..’strange eyes you idiot’ I muttered to myself as I caught up with the ‘criminal’ who was very slow for someone who just stole..I made up my mind to fvck him up and not give him any chance to touch me. I jumped on him..sending us both to the floor we struggled for seconds..a I couldn’t seem to get a hold on him..a part of my brain..was registering shouts from the few people in the parking lot and I wondered about the security positioned at the door..where was he? I felt the gala thief slacken and I found myself on top and smashed my fist into his face..the pain was blinding but my fury didn’t allow me hold my knuckles and shout the way my previous self would have done. I rained a couple more punches on him and grabbed the necklace from his hand which I noticed was gold..”You don’t steal from my lady..you hear!!” I was high on adrenaline and I punched his throat once more thinking I had knocked him out..I leaned to whisper in his ear “tell strange eyes..or John whatever his name is that I’d mess him up too”
I realized my mistake a second too late, the gala thief opened his eyes grabbed me by the collar..and in a flash I was in the air..for like three seconds..I landed on my face..and the pain was blinding..I tried to stand up but either my brain wasn’t sending the command or my legs wasn’t receiving it..I felt hands shaking me and feared for what will come next..but it was Ada “you got my necklace..oh my God Rex..i cant believe what you did..are you alright..” I rolled over and tried to sit up..by this time several customers were approaching including the security guard who had been no where to be found. “You’re bleeding..I need to get you to the hospital..” I staggered to my feet as peolple helped steady me..I was feeling like a pussy..a furious cat..I looked around
but like I expected the gala thief was long gone. “Where the hell where you?!!!” I shouted at the fast food gaurd..

“I go toilet oga”
I could bet my left arm that toilet had strange eyes written all over it..he was so full of sh!t and I wished I could beat him up(our first and only physical encounter was too fresh in my mind)
Ada was already on the phone.she turned to me..”my mum said we should go straight to the house..our doctor is on his way..does it hurt?’

“Its just a scratch now..haba” I turned to the nearest car and my reflection was a pitiful one..I had scratches on my forehead, nose and chin and the blood was almost unstoppable..I looked down and saw my shirt was stained with blood..the sight was worse than the feeling..although the pain was bad..the majority was just headache”

The manager of the eatery had come outside and I could see him questioning the halogen guard furiously while glancing nervously in our direction..I followed Ada to the car..and my embarrassment was beginning to be replaced by something close to martyrdom. “You’re really..strong” she said as she held my arm and we walked slowly as if my feet were damaged..”if I lost this necklace..I wouldn’t know what to do..my favourite aunt gave it to me and she’s late now…thank you” she kissed my chick.

I grunted in reply..just soo pissed at strange eyes..who did he think he is..playing games with lives..my life
We got to the car and Ada opened the car via the remote…”you know what touched me the most…it was when you called me your girl” she looked at me..and I almost panicked.. That was love in her eyes..I had seen the reflection in mine too many times when I stared at the mirror and thought about Fome..

I squeezed my face as if I was in pain..she hurried around the car..as I got in “our house isn’t really far don’t worry..and Dr.Essien is one of a kind” she started the car and I marveled at the smoothness of the engine..I thought to myself..”just a few scratches..no broken bones this wasn’t soo bad..” I looked out the window where a small group of costumers were converged together..talking about the incident and watching us..Somehow I wasn’t surprised when I saw strange eyes in the midst of them watching us. He showed a discreet thumbs up and mouthed the words: ‘well done.’
In reply I mouthed ‘fvck you’ but I couldn’t help it..I smiled.

Dr Essen was a round man, barrel looking and very jovial. He was waiting outside the house when Ada pulled over. He hurried to my side to inspect my face then he hissed and burst out laughing. “Is this what your mother called me for?” He said to Ada who had come over to the passenger’s side. He turned to me and inspected my face closely..”this is just scratches na..Mr. Man na so you Ajebo reach?”
I laughed “me ke’..it wasn’t my idea at all o..” I was speaking to him, but my eyes were on the house..Fome’ had told me the Chief had moved away about five years after fighting with his wife..and he had chosen a simple looking house..probably to avoid suspicion from whatever he was involved in. I began to suspect his main reason for leaving wasn’t because of any fight but rather to enable him run his operations successfully away from his family..the chief wasn’t one to leave this kind of comfort without his own reasons..I noticed Dr. Essen had stopped speaking and was watching me as if expecting a reply..I stared at him blankly and Ada touched my shoulder worriedly..”are you sure he doesn’t have a concussion?” She said to the doctor.
“Come on stop it Ada..are his bones made of wood?”
he punched me playfully in the arm ” lemme clean it with antiseptic..you’ll need air to touch it if not it could affect your brain” he rolled his eyes at Ada and I laughed and she smiled also. I had to bite my laughter in the next few seconds as the cotton wool dabbed my injuries.

I drove Ada’s Mercedes back to the boutique..the time was 5:45 and I was quite tired but she kept me talking with her energetic nature which reminded me of her father. I knew I had to lay the ground work down if I was going to learn anythinguseful about the chief..I slowed down as I allowed three teenage boys in roller skates to cross the road then I asked casually “you mentioned your father earlier..but I haven’t seen any sign of him..is he not around”

She was quiet at first..then she replied “he is based at India..he runs his business from there”
I was stunned..(.this girl no get fear of God oo) but I maintained a poker face and nodded believingly..”that’s intrresting. India? What is he into?”
She turned up the radio ” I don’t really like to talk about his business..he left us since I was very little and I only see him on Christmas..once in two years”

I remained quiet .mulling it over…did that mean she knew about the chiefs activities? Was his family also in the loop? All that was strange eyes’s palava..all I cared about was Fome and if she truly was in danger..I had wasted too much time already..I had to speed up the process. My brain began working..as I tuned out and multi tasked my brain once more..supplying the necessary replys to Ada but not really paying attention.
I pulled over at the boutique..” I need to get something from my car. I’d meet you in your mum’s office”

I dialed strange eyes number. “Rex. That was a good job. How did”
“Mr man..all this is in vain..I’m no longer playing along. Right now you help me and I’d help you. Tell me all you know about Fome’s whereabouts if not I’m done with you..and if I have to confront the chief I’m ready to do that”
Strange eyes was quiet..”it seems a few scratches gave you balls abi..I like that. I’d text you the address of the hotel you should meet me later tonight. But please don’t blow your cover..everything goes hand in hand I promise you”

I ended the call and was about locking the car when I noticed a stash of magazines in the back seat. It was voltage trends and it looked 100% legit. I marveld at a picture of myself on one issue about three months back..wearing a suit I knew I didn’t possess..the picture in question had been lifted from my Facebook profile..and the photo shop was perfectly done..I saw a note on the seat. ‘You won’t believe what I had to go through to make this possible..make it count..by the way sorry about the ass whooping!’

I shook my head but I was blown away..everything looked legit and as I leafed through the pages which were complete with photographs as well as phony interviews with celebrities there were about 5 issues dating back to the previous five months..I locked my car smiling but my smile disappeared when I thought how he had gotten the magazines
into my car..this man had no respect for privacy…but what worried me was I was getting used to his silly games. I tucked the magazines under my arm as I headed to the entrance.

This is a significant part of the story…I rode up the escalator with the copies of vogue in my arm feeling down..I didn’t really know when it started..I was about to enter Mrs Benita’s office, when my phone rang..I paused at the entrance..still…that was Fome’s number which had been switched off for over 3 weeks. I stopped cold and watched the backs of Ada and her mother through the window..Ada’s head was positioned that she could see me with just a tilt of the neck. I ducked out of view quickly as I picked the call.

“Hello” for all my worrying and stressing my voice was surprisingly calm
“Rex..don’t enter that office”
I looked left and right..the hallway was empty..”fome where are you..what is going on?”

My heart was racing now..as I hurried looking into every corner as I passed by.
“Rex listen to me now..your life is at risk, there are people who want to kill you in this boutique”
Where are you?” I almost shouted into the receiver,.my voice filled with furious panick.
“Im close by…i’m sure your phone is tapped so I have to be fast”
By this time I had reached the escalator..everywhere now seemed more crowded than it had been few minutes ago..I hurried to the restrooms sign to my left.
“What is happening..who wants to kill me”
“Watch out for anyone who looks unsuspicious…Rex..I’m sorry I messed up..”
Her voice shook..”I can’t live with myself if you die..”

“Fome calm down and talk to me”
I leaned against the door..and bent down to check under the doors of the toilet stands ‘4 in number’ I saw a pair of stockinged feet at the last toilet and stood up in horror..I checked the sign and saw the little dude that they always draw on toilet stands was wearing a dress!…I was in the female toilet..I lowered my voice to a whisper “Fome tell me where you are we can work this out together”

“Rex watch out for anybody that is unassuming..that is all I know..there is money on your head..your car has been traced all along..and a killer has been on your tail since “
She was making sense and at the same time not making any..”where are you..I need to know-“
“Rex strange eyes has probably tapped my line by now..I have to go”
“Strange eyes..is he behind this”
“Rex he works for the government..the Government never has a single interest..in this case I’m an interest. I won’t call him your enemy, but you shouldn’t think of him as your friend……stay safe..
The line went dead..

I stared at the mirror then splashed water on my face..I was numb..I Bent down to retrieve the magazines I had been holding and for a second .I stared at it blindly
..wondering what I was doing with them.
The last stall opened, I looked up hurriedly as an elderly lady came out..she seemed oblivious to me as she wobbled her way to the wash hand basin..she had on small dark shades which looked medicated and gave the impression that she was blind. She was humming a classic..clothe of many colours.. And I eased slowly to the exit door..as I made to move however her hand crept into her big purse which was lying on the wash hand basin. I didn’t think anything of it at first..but I thought to the warning fome’ had sounded and the realization that someone in that building wanted me dead..or to kill me to be precise..was enough to move my feet faster towards the door..suddenly..the old coat of colours crooner was speaking quite clearly and holding a gun “you better stop” she said inyYoruba (e’ duro) I froze..my mouth hanging open in surprise and fear..the feeling of deja vu’ was almost crippling but this time an annoying part of my brain was screaming “you’re going to be murdered by an old woman..in a female toilet..what a pitiful way to go..
Somehow..before the milifraction it would take to pull the trigga the door burst open..two young females entered inside..holding clothes they obviously wanted to try on.

“And I was like if you don’t mind..I have been-” the first one broke off when she saw me..I had glanced just the slightest way sideways when the voice and door had sounded but the gun was out of sight when i glanced back..and she was facing the mirror once again washing her hands and humming “my coat of many colours that my mother made for me”

The second girl gasped in suprise at seeing me in the females toilet and seemed as though she was going to let rip any moment.
I raised my hands and smiled in embarrassment “I’m really sorry..” I pointed at the old crooner..”my grandmother..she’s blind and she really had to use the toilet..there was no one to turn to..and she’s just washing up”
The ladies entered (to my relief) obviously touched “its alright we’d watch her for you”
“Thanks a lot..you’re a God send…I took her shopping..to cheer her up..yesterday was 12 years since her husband passed away”
The ladies made sympathetic noises as I hurried out the door..I half ran half walked out of the toilet sections..and was heading for the door with speed..
“Rex!Rex”

I looked up to see Ada and her mother coming down the escalator on the other end..concern on both their faces..I dropped the magazine on an empty chair as I passed it..”something has come up at headquarters..I have to be going..here are the mags..we’d be in touch”
“But Ada told me what happened.. Wait are you okay”

But I was gone..I hurried through the car lot wondering my next step..so my car had been traced all along..I felt my phone vibrating and saw strange eyes name.
I picked up as I raced through..looking for a taxi or any vehicle to get me away from danger..
“Rex where exactly are you..”
“You bastard what are you not telling me”
“Rex you are in danger right now…we’d talk later now where are you..?”
“Why don’t you trace it..like you did to Fome and kept me in the dark!”.
As I talked I felt something in my pocket..I brought it out..it was the key to the mercedes..I pressed the button. As if I were being controlled and as the lights blinked I interrupted whatever excuse strange eyes was coming up with. “Look I have stared down the barrel of a gun twice in 24 hours all because I was under directions from you..now I’m going solo”

I ended the call.

TBC…

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