The Complete Assassin Episode 16

The Complete Assassin Episode 16

24 HOURS EARLIER . . .

Stella could not believe her eyes. In the Fortress where Steven had gone in earlier to activate his presence, huge plasma screens appeared on the north, west and south walls. They seemed to have been buried inside the walls because they were not there when Steven’s identity was being verified. The whole room looked glassy and white. There were two oxygen vents at the top of each wall, and a small enclosure to the west wall of the room. The enclosure was made of tinted class, only visible from within. There was a quiet wheezing sound as a cylindrical shaped glass panel came out of the ground in the middle of the room, the height of a baseball bat. The whole room reeked of modern technology. Stella was impressed.

“Hey Sis. Come in.” Steven said, taking her hand and walking her into the room.

“This is amazing Steven. Is this one of the top secret caves that rumors have been carrying round?” Stella asked as they walked.

“Yes, and No. Yes, this is a secret cave. And no, the rumors you have been hearing are not about this place. They are about the Sensei’s Lodge. Every member of The Guardians has a Sensei’s Lodge. As I am not a Sensei, I thought it would be a good idea to have my own private getaway. I call this The Fortress. There’s something I need you to see.” Steven said, stopping abruptly and looking at her.

“This is the umpteenth time you have said that today. Have I not seen enough?” Stella said sarcastically.

Steven laughed. They walked to the center of the room and Steven released her hand.  He walked three steps away from her. Stella looked at him, wondering what was about to happen. Steven sensed her anxiety.

“Relax little sister. I just want to show you a video. Videos actually. All you have to do is just, don’t move. Okay?” Steven said, assuring that she had nothing to worry about.

“Okay sir!” Stella said mocking him.

Steven pressed a button on the cylindrical panel that came out from the ground. A semi-circle area on the ground around the panel opened and a small leather seat rose from the space. It came up slowly and when it got to ground level, Steven pressed another button. The ground closed back. Stella eased into the seat, crossed her legs and folded her arms across her chest. She was very curious to find out the content of the video her brother so desperately took the pains to keep inside The Fortress. Steven sat on the arm of the leather seat, putting his arm around her.

“Isis. Display Video Footage of Stella. Current Archive” Steven commanded, raising his voice a pitch higher than normal.

There was a slight pause. Silence. Four seconds later there was a reply.

“Stella Current Archive retrieved. Video Sequence Initiating.” Isis, his supercomputer said.

The whole room went dim. Pitch dark. Then the huge plasma screens came on, illuminating the room. If Stella was shocked by what she had seen so far, what she saw now totally freaked her out.  On the screen in front of her was a video of her at the Shop-A-Lot store where she had deftly disarmed a burglar and sent him out of the store with his own gun. She looked at Steven as if she was seeking answers. Steven grinned and shrugged.

“Continue. There’s more.” Steven said.

Stella took her face back to the screen. It now showed her in a black Porsche receiving a call, taking instructions from Sensei telling her to track and follow Steven. The scenery changed again, showing Stella inside the Laundry Room of The Haven. She took out the hinges of her glasses and used it as a device to connect to the bug she had previously planted on James. Then she finished up and left the Laundry Room.

It was getting too much for Stella to handle.

“Can you pause this please?”  Stella asked, not taking her eyes away from the screen.

Steven leaned forwards and pressed a button on the cylindrical panel.

“Isis. Pause video.” Steven commanded.

The screen paused and went into static.

“How did you get all these videos? Is there anymore?” Stella asked.

“State-of-the-art cutting edge technology.  I had a friend hack into the military transmission of the high powered Indigo-ST072 satellite. It has the ability to pick out anyone in any specified area. I knew that Sensei would put someone up to watch me. I was very sure he did not grant me my freedom on a platter of gold. Something had to be brewing. So I set out traps and surveillance measures to ensure that I found out who it was that would be tracking me, get the person, and then shut whoever it was up permanently. When I saw you in the footage, I could not go on with my original plan. I had to create a detour hence, my activity at The Haven. Killing Mr. Emmanuel was not in my master plan.  Although he was a corrupt public officer, he was just a pawn in the grand chess game I had planned. Killing Mr. Emmanuel gave me all the leverage I needed against Sensei and detect who it was tracking me. Unfortunately, it was you. I could not kill you. You are my sister. I had to think of another way to go about dealing with the issue. I got an idea. So I deliberately became sloppy, leaving gaps and traces to see how good you were for Sensei to send you after me. I was impressed.” Steven said.

“All the mess I was cleaning up was actually left deliberately?” Stella asked

“Yes. They were. After I watched you clean up the body of Rebekah, I made up my mind.” Steven replied.

“Made up your mind to do what?” Stella asked.

“I want you on my team sister. I plan to bring down Shadow Corporation. And the truth is that I cannot do it on my own. I need you.” Steven said, coming to face his sister.

Stella was quiet. She seemed to be processing this new bit of information that Steven just gave her. He wanted her to rebel against the most powerful, organized and undercover organization in the world. She was not afraid to take this new turn. She was afraid of what Steven’s agenda was. He had used her. Was he planning to use her again? When the stakes where up and daunting, would he hesitate to snap her neck at the drop of a hat? Was he still Steven her brother, or Steven the ruthless, unforgiving Shadow Prime?

“Steven, taking down the Corporation is not something you can do single handedly. Even if I agree to join you, it is still impossible. You are Shadow Prime. Why would you want to destroy the organization that made you everything you are?” Stella asked.

“Dear sister, there are lot of things shrouded from view. The organization is corrupt, the organization is a predator, and the organization is a leech.” Steven said getting up and raising his voice.

“The people we kill? We are made to believe that these men are wicked and deserve to die. Who made us judge and jury? What gives us the right to swing the axe? I have investigated every single assassination over the past four years. The organization is not what we were made to believe it is. It is a hoax, used to fill some pockets with money. We are not cleaning up the streets and riding the world of corrupt and wicked individuals, we are tools in the hands of the highest bidder. We are given a portfolio of fake information and we use that as enough moral consolation to carry out our orders. It is wrong Stella. I joined the ShadowCorp to make the world a better place and rid it of wickedness and corruption not to fuel it. On which side of the divide are you sister?”

Stella did not respond. She starred into the eyes of her brother. He was going on a suicide mission. It was impossible to take down ShadowCorp. He must have a plan. Stella was convinced that no matter what Steven had planned, there would only be one outcome: Death. She had lost every member of her family. She could not lose Steven again. Talking him out of this was going to be a waste of time, his mind was made up. Somehow, she trusted him. She saw sincerity, passion and desire for change in his eyes. She would rather die with him than live without him.

“I am in. What do I have to do?” Stella asked.

“Good. First, we need to bring someone in. Your boyfriend.”

“Who?” Stella asked curious to know who the person was.

“Isis, display James’ portfolio.” Steven said to his computer.

The screen changed and James’ pictures filled the screen.

“I remember this guy. He is the IT guy at the Haven. Why do we need him?” Stella asked.

“He is a fantastic hacker. Better than me. His knowledge of network infrastructures, coding, frames relay, tracking systems and signal detection are in the hundred percentile. He is also very good with rerouting incoming transmissions and recoding broken media. If we are to have any chance of success, he has to be on the team.” Steven replied.

“Why do I have to be the one to bring him in? Can’t you talk to him?” Stella asked.

“Isis. Play Haven Video feed.” Steven commanded.

The screen changed again and it showed James and Stella having a conversation after she had bumped into him on her way to the Laundry Room of The Haven. The video ended where James had said the words:

“We’ll meet again.”

Stella had winked at him.

“It’s time for him to meet you again.” Steven said

*****

James looked at her with bloodshot eyes. He could hardly make out her face. The room was dimly lit, the only source of illumination being the kaleidoscopic colored lights that swung by intermittently. She did not look the least bit familiar. He took a last swig of the bottle and got up.

“I have to use the bathroom. Excuse me.” James said to her.

She shrugged and took a drag of her cigarette as James turned and walked away. He was tipsy and had to be careful not to stagger and trip over himself. He found his way to the bathroom and opened the tap on the sink. Dipping his middle finger into his throat, he threw up into the basin. He repeated this several times as he emptied the contents of his stomach into the sink. He washed his face with water rushing from the tap. Looking up at the mirror, he scrutinized his face. How had he let himself come this far? He went into the cubicle and closed the toilet seat. He sat on it and took out his phone from his pocket, switching it on. There were six messages from his girlfriend. She was begging him and asking him to give her a chance to explain. He loved her so much and really wanted to be with her. Maybe he should hear her out. The more he thought about it, the more he began to make excuses for her. He felt she must have had a reason to have behaved the way she did. He was willing to at least give her another chance. He suddenly missed her. He sent her a message via IM.

‘Hey got your messages.’

Almost immediately, Prisca read the message and replied.

‘Oh, baby. I am sorry. Where are you?’

‘Getting drunk somewhere on the island.’ James replied.

‘I am so sorry. Can you come home please?’ She sent back.

‘I really don’t think I should. You have really hurt me.’ James said

‘Please baby.’

‘Okay, I will. See you soon.’ James replied, sending a sad face smiley.

He put the phone back in his pocket and flushed the toilet. As he exited the bathroom, he took a quick glance at the mirror. He was looking refreshed and better. Even though there was a nagging headache somewhere in the background of his head. He walked back with a spring in his step. He went to his seat and found it empty. The girl who previously occupied his seat was no longer there. He had wanted to take her number and get in touch some time. She had disappeared. He shook his head and walked towards the exit. As he made his way through the crowd of people dancing away to Wande Coal’s The Kick, he spotted the girl grinding away at a man’s crotch as the DJ blended Iyanya’s Kukere into the mix. Their eyes met and James signaled that he was leaving. She had a worried look on her face that implied he should hold on for her. He turned away and continued towards the door. The Bouncer who had earlier helped with his bag was outside. He gave him another generous tip as the bouncer brought back his bag from safekeeping. Nothing was missing. As he stepped outside the gate and onto the street, a fresh wave of breeze blew against his face. He felt so happy. It felt good to be going back into the arms of someone he truly loved and not just any hooker.

After walking for a few minutes, he decided he was at a safe distance to call a cab. He looked to his left as quite a number of awesome cars pulled into the club premises. He instinctively checked his watch. 11:55pm. The night was still young. A silver colored Mercedes Benz Kompressor pulled out of the club’s gate and turned right, approaching him.  He was expecting the car to pick up speed and zoom past him but it did not. It continued to drive agonizingly slowly towards him. He did not know anyone who drove that sort of car. He wondered what was happening. He maintained his cool and braced himself for the worst. The car pulled over just in front of him and the driver alighted.

It was the same girl he left at the club barely five minutes back.

“Hey you.” She said walking towards him.

She walked with a gait that screamed classy. She had her hair in a ponytail and her br3asts were above average. She walked towards him and relaxed her frame on the trunk of the car. She looked gorgeous. He was not able to make out her shape in the club, but now what he saw made him forget about Prisca momentarily.

“Hey.  It’s kind of funny how we have met twice now. I thought you were having fun, so I did not want to disturb.” James said, walking towards her and stretching his hand for a shake.

“You mean thrice now. I had too much alcohol in my system. Dancing is the only way to get it out.” She replied, taking the handshake.

“I cannot remember meeting you anywhere before today. Believe me any sane man would remember this gorgeous beauty any day. Besides I did not get your name. I am James.” James said, flashing his sexiest smile. He inadvertently also let out a soft hiccup.

She giggled and replied.

“I gave you my name the first time we saw.”

“It would give me so much joy if you could jog my memory. I really cannot seem to recollect meeting you before today. Please?” James pleaded, resting his hips on the trunk of the car beside her.

“At the Haven, the night of the murder? You bumped into a reporter and promised you would see her again. I guess you do see the future.” She said and smiled.

James thought for a while and suddenly jerked with realization.

“Oh! My! God! Lola? Is this really you?” James asked folding his arms

“Yes o. Live and direct sir.” She replied.

“What a small world. Nice to meet you Lola.” James said.

They talked for a while discussing about their various lives and what they came to do at the club. Stella lied that she was celebrating her birthday. She was an introvert and did not have friends. Her family members were all out of the country and she just felt like unwinding. James said he broke up with his girlfriend and planned to drink till he was dead. Along the line he had had a rethink and decided to go back to his fiancée to see if things could be sorted out.  He was waiting for a cab.

“Which way are you headed? I can give you a ride.” Stella offered.

“I do not want to be a bother.” James replied.

“Come on James don’t be a sissy. Come on. Hop in. I could do with a little company.” Stella insisted.

They got in the car and drove in silence for a while. Stella’s driving skills were world class. She was speeding way above the 100km/hr limit and was in total control she did not jerk at the brakes or flinch when overtaking other vehicles. James was enjoying the ride. Her mini skirt had shifted way above her knees revealing too much flesh than he could handle. Her skin looked so fresh and tempting. He could almost reach out and caress the pinkish flesh. He controlled himself. Just as he looked back up, he saw that she had caught him staring.

“Mr. James. Wetin you dey find? That thing wey you dey look for so, you go see am o.” Stella said and laughed.

“My sister no be my fault o. Some things are just very impossible to ignore.” James replied defensively.

“I hear u. So, you were eager to give me the gist on the inside story of Mr. Emmanuel Bright’s murder at the Haven. Still interested?” Stella asked.

“Hmmm. Bribery and corruption ba? I know say this ride wey you give me no be for free. Something must to dey am. Now I don see the reason.” James replied.

“It’s not compulsory for you to answer James. It’s just a friendly request to help my career. Afterall, what are friends for?” Stella finished and winked.

“What’s in it for me?” James asked.

Stella made a U-turn and took the next left. She was on a bumpy street. After driving for three minutes, she took another left and came up on the freeway.

“Anything you want.” Stella said.

There was a pause. Nobody spoke. They approached the toll gate and Stella swerved right to the automatic e-tag section. The scanner checked her tag and passed the car as they went through the e-tag barrier. They drove in silence till they climbed a bridge linking the freeway to the mainland.

“I want you Lola.” James replied.

“And that took you forever to say? Fear Fear.” Stella said, laughing and hitting him playfully on the laps.

“I am yours for the taking. I give you my word.” Stella finished, leaning over and giving him a peck.

Her hand played on his laps, going to and fro up till his groin section but never really going further. He was heavily turn3d on but was scared to make a move.

“Please turn on the next right.” James said.

They got to the gate of Prisca’s street but it was locked. However, the pedestrian access was still open.

“So this is your street?” Stella asked.

“Not really. My fiancée stays here.” James replied.

“Oh. Cool. Okay then. I guess we’ll see some other time.” Stella said and smiled, biting her lower lip and looking seductively at James.

James unlocked his seat belt and stared at Stella. He wanted to make a move but he did not know how to go about it. He could not bring himself to move his hands towards her.

“I guess this is goodnight then. I’ll call you tomorrow.” James said and opened the car.

“Just like that?” Stella called after him as he made to get out of the car.

He knew what that meant. That seemed to be the kick he needed. He got back in the car, closed the door and leaned forwards. Stella came forward too and their lips locked. James put his hand in her hair as he kissed her, licking her lower lips as she held his shoulders. Still locked in the kiss, she undid her seat belt and crossed over to his side of the seat, straddling him. James held her hips, squeezed her butt0cks with one hand and fondling her bo0bs with the other as they ate each other’s lips in a frenzy of raw lust.

They were making suppressed gasps and Stella was moaning softly. She took her hand from his shoulder and ran it across his forehead while grinding in him. James increased the intensity of his kissing and squeezed her bo0bs a little bit harder. She moaned a little louder and drifted her hand to his neck region. She unlocked her lips from him, as she grinded herself on him faster and kissed his ear. Her hand came down to the side of his neck as she teased until she found the artery she was looking for. Carefully, she traced the artery up and down while she continued to grind and moan. James was in another world.

Then, suddenly she tweaked the artery in one swift deft motion.

James passed out immediately.

She got off him and straightened her dress. She took his wrist and checked his pulse against the seconds on her watch. He was in good condition. She looked around from where she sat to see if there had been anyone watching. There was none.

Satisfied, she took out a WestLife CD and slotted it into the CD player. She selected track 17 and increased the volume.

“An empty street, an empty house, a hole inside my heart

I’m all alone, the rooms are getting smaller.

I wonder how, I wonder why, I wonder where they are

The days we had, the songs we sang together, oh yeah…”

She sang along with the music as she backed out of the street and drove away.

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