"I've searched everywhere you told me to. I can't find her."

"Well, that obviously proves it." The clerk said politely. "She left."

"The gateman saw her enter but didn't see her leave," Narrowed-eyed Uche rapped her fingers on the desk. "Neither did security."

"It's possible that Mr Gbenga wasn't watching the door for every second in the last thirty minutes, and this girl passed by without him noticing. Security see lots of people every day, everyone basically looks the same to them, except if they're under suspicion of being a threat. Why don't you check the block again to see if she's come back?" He suggested when she huffed in agitation. "Maybe she's out searching for what she'd lost."

"See, that's what doesn't make sense to me!" She shot at him, temper flaring. Then she took a deep, calming breath, regarded the young man coolly. "The girl is constrained to take her phone and writing materials wherever she goes. They are too necessary to be forgotten," She paused, considering. "This place has surveillance cameras. It should tell whether or not she left the premises."

"I understand your worry but there's nothing we can do. While that may be true, only the police is entitled to the content of the footage as part of an official investigation. If she still isn't found, I suggest using the proper channels by reporting her missing. You'll just have to wait. I'm sorry." He turned from her, beaming at man headed for the table. "Good evening, sir. Welcome to Lykstas,"

Dismissed, Uche drifted aside so as not to obstruct business and while she brooded over the situation, the man surreptitiously leered at her until he'd been attended to and left. She hadn't bothered with wearing a jacket over her flattering tank top. "Can I talk to the person who brought them in at least? Are they still in? Maybe they could be of help." Before he could object, added, "Please."

"I'll see what can be done."

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

One man leaned against the secured door. Another man prepared to do his job, aiming a gun aimed at her forehead. It couldn't be real, that she was in this room with killers, and death just the pull of a trigger away. But it was. Devastating reality transfixed Huma where she stood, adrenaline rampaging through her system. Her unfulfilled dreams; the unrepaired rift between herself and her mother; "be careful," her grandmother's warning; the prospects of a new friend---all were on the verge of being taken from her. It seemed that she'd only started living recently, instead of existing. Now, it was over. She'd never see her parents again or hear Mrs Ehana gripe about coconut heads. She'd never see Uche again. Was this what they meant by life flashing before one's eyes?

I'm so afraid. All her life, she'd always been afraid and helpless. Was she going to die without ever conquering it? It can't be the end. Please, help me.

Lawrence averted his eyes, swallowing hard. He couldn't believe he'd allowed Anthony goad him into consenting someone's death. Whether his hand held the gun or not, he'd be a murderer afterwards. But it was necessary: everyone's life was at stake, Jidenna's most of all. With her dead everything was certain to stay hidden. But Uche would leave, disappearing as she did before. For some reason, the girl seemed the only thing keeping Uche here-just how close were they? He couldn't tell. Maybe that's for the best, he thought. The turn of events would force his brother to abandon his revenge on the government. She'd be safe. Murderers looked out for each other. Is that really what he wanted to become?

"It needs to be done," he muttered to himself. Huma's fear was so palpable that Lawrence could feel it, and that made him look. Staring blankly at the gun, she appeared like a child, fragile, small. Her face showed no expression, astounding him. How could someone appear so calm in the face of death? Then as though falling asleep, she closed her eyes. The lights easily caught those tears, two drops of glimmering water trailed down her cheeks.

"Stop," He couldn't go through with. This would haunt him for the rest of his life if he did.

"What do you mean 'stop'?" Anthony gritted out, still aiming the gun at Huma's forehead. He clenched his jaw.

"Exactly what it means," Stepping forward, Lawrence placed his hand on Anthony's over the gun. "You can't do it too, can you?"

"I'm not like you," Anthony turned fierce, angry eyes on his friend, "soft and gutless,"

"You're upset. I understand, so I'll let those comments slide."

Saying nothing, Anthony looked back at Huma's peaceful face. "We need to do this, don't you get it? She could destroy everything. I-no. Step aside, I'm gonna blow her fucking brains out."

"What happened to less messy?" Lawrence sighed. "You can't do it. Something's holding you back."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"It's okay." Anthony let Lawrence lower the gun and take it from him. "You need to cool off. I need a pen and paper. Get them for me."

After he'd stormed out, Huma plopped down on the floor, reeling from the shock of her near death experience. She pinched herself. It wasn't a dream. She needed to pee; her bladder felt like it could burst at any moment. So she got up on rubbery legs and bolted for the toilet, tripping several times. Lawrence watched her go, tipping the corner of his lips. It was an act after all, he thought, staring at the gun in his hand. Placing it inside the dresser, he sat on the bed then he fell back, closing his eyes. What a shitty day.

Some minutes later, Huma was sitting across from Lawrence, a table in their middle.

"Feeling better?" He asked, observing her pale face as she clutched the bottle, gulping down water.

Despite being thoroughly shaken, she nodded vehemently while wiping off water she'd spilled from her chin.

"You've had quite an adventure today. One brother tried to rape you; the other tried to kill you." Lawrence settled into the couch. "I'm sure once you leave here you'll pack your stuff and run away as fast as you can. That's not going to happen. Before I tell you why, I want to know something first. How did you happen to be up here, in that room and with my brother? This floor is off limits. I didn't think it important before but I do now. Use that." He nodded at the paper and pen on the table.

Her hand shook but she obeyed.

"You're left-handed," he murmured then shook his head when Huma glanced at him.

Were they going to shoot her for that too?

"It's nothing." He read the note, put it away and looked up, lost for words. "You may just have saved Jidenna's life," Lawrence smiled, his eyes having a fond faraway look in them. It was this look Huma had seen that day with the baby, and she couldn't help but smile too, reminded of her father. Doubtful before, she became certain: this was the real Lawrence. "I swear the boy's growing fast." He frowned, refocused. "He should have been watching him. Just imagine what would have if you didn't happen to come along."

He looked back at her. "We haven't exactly been grateful, have we?" His tone was rueful. "Allow me to rectify that. I apologize and I thank you," he paused momentarily, dropping his gaze to the table. "You must have been terrified. You know, most people would panic, cower, beg and fight when confronted with death like that, anything to survive. There's so much love for life, even when it hurts a lot more than its counterpart. Frankly, it's the first time I've seen someone accept it." His eyes lifted, held hers. "Thank you."

Huma blinked, wondering what nonsense he was spouting. She'd been scared to death, and was certain that the shock would have killed her before the bullet did. And why was he thanking her?

"To the matter at hand. You've seen us. By ' us', I mean my brother and I, and have discovered the truth that we're identical twins. Now, although still vague to you, you've also discovered something else about us. It doesn't matter whether it was accidental or not. The fact is: you know. Only a few people do, and that's the way we like it. My brother likes it that way, and the security of these secrets is something he doesn't take lightly. Are you listening to me?" When she nodded he continued on his feet. "You can't leave, and Uche can't know. It's not a secret that I'm interested in her but that's beside the point. It's to ensure your safety. If you leave, my brother will suspect something, and he doesn't like loose ends--if you know what i mean. You tell Uche, she might do just that, endangering you both, so not a word about our identity or what happened here. I'm asking you to look away and pretend you know nothing, especially in front of him. Act normal."

But she didn't know how to do that. Act.

"I know you're talentless in that aspect, having watched you first hand," Lawrence commented making her wince. "You don't have a choice here," he stated bluntly. "It's either you amp your acting skills or you get a bullet in the head, along with Uche. You care about her, don't you?"

She did.

"You want to see her dead?"

She didn't.

"Good," he clapped his hands. "Something we both agree on."Huma raised a hand as though this were a classroom and he was the lecturer. "Yes?" She gestured to the paper and pen, and he handed them over.

"How do I tell you from him? All this time I thought you both were one and the same." The note said.

"That's because we found a common ground personality to maintain on the outside. You're right, that's important. I'll tell you what you should look out for." After he did, Lawrence said. "Huma, I can't emphasize how big of a risk I'm taking here. I have no reason to trust you but I must. My brother is not a man to be trifled with; he's dangerous. If you step out of line, and make him suspect you know-that's if he doesn't after now-it wouldn't end well. The ball is in your court." He sat back down. "You're free to go."

She stared at him, wondering if she'd heard right. She motioned in the space between herself and her escape.

"Yes, i mean it."

Not wasting another second, Huma hurried for the door but it opened before she got close, and Anthony, tensed, stood in the door way, preventing her from leaving.

"Let her go," Lawrence told him.

"You need to rethink this. I'm over my conflict. Just give me the go ahead."

He looked at Anthony, his eyes flinty. "I will not repeat myself again." In that moment, he wore Ryan, looking and sounding every bit like him, firm and uncompromising.

Holding his tongue, Anthony reluctantly stepped aside, allowing her through. They listened, hearing her move farther and farther away, knowing their fate now lay in her hands.

"For our sake, I hope your blind trust in her doesn't backfire."

Lawrence wondered himself as he sat there with his head thrown back, staring up at the ceiling. "She saved Jidenna from falling down the stairs. He'd crawled out." He sighed, closing his eyes; Anthony said nothing.

"You do know he'll do it when he finds out. And i say when because he's that sharp."

"Then we'll make sure there's no room for suspicion. How's the bastard?"

"Still out cold."

"Pay the woman. Her services will no longer be needed. Tell me the truth. He's using, isn't he?"

Anthony kept silent.

"Just as I thought," he exhaled deeply. "Vanessa still around?"

"Yes, she's downstairs, waiting. She'll need a ride."

Lawrence shook his head against the headrest. "That woman doesn't know when to give up."

"I'll drive her."

"No, I'll do it. I need to get out of here and clear my head. You will watch Jidenna."

"Isn't it time you hire a babysitter? Rita won't always be available when you aren't, and neither will i." Anthony closed the door, leaving him alone.

It was the inarguable truth. A daycare had never been an option because the mother would no doubt find out and steal the child away. As much as either twin rejected the idea of entrusting any woman with Jidenna, Lawrence didn't see a choice. It had to be someone Vanessa couldn't connive with. Moreover, how could they do so without exposing themselves? But that wasn't the challenge. Getting the father's consent was.

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

"Excuse me,"

Uche trotted up to the woman who had paused on the stairs outside the building. It was dark now, the sky gradually filling with stars, but the whole place was alit with bulbs, which shone brilliantly. She wore jean and was clutching together her blouse that happened to be missing a few buttons. Her eyes were too big for her fishlike face.

"Good evening. I'm really sorry to bother you," Uche began as they strolled side by side. "Are you the one who turned in a purse and writing board to the clerk?"

The question was met with a bemused expression. "A purse and writing board?" The woman's voice was coarse, the kind caused by cough, and as she spoke, Uche noticed she rubbed her throat, grimacing often. "Oh, yes. I remember. The board had tom and jerry on the back, right?"

"Right. I'm looking for the owner, and I was wondering if you've seen her around. She's muslim, probably wearing an hijab or a scarf. She's caramel in completion, this short," Uche indicated the height somewhere in the air. "Has a really small body, almost childlike, and a face that reminds you of elves with big eyes. She's also speech-impaired."

Something flickered in the woman's eyes but she couldn't tell what part of all she'd said had elicited the reaction. They now were standing beside a car.

"I'm sorry," She said, aloof. "I didn't see her. I just found the things." Leaning against the car, the woman gave Uche her back.

Puzzled by the sudden closed off attitude, Uche said "It's fine. Thanks anyway." Dejected, she wandered away. There was nowhere else to check. She'd searched everywhere, searched the hostel, and had been on her way back the second time when the clerk had called informing her about the woman. She'd even risked searching outside the resort. What was she going to do? File a missing person report? How would she tell her parents or explain things to Michael. I'm sorry but your daughter's missing, sir. It wasn't my fault that I napped. I woke up and she was gone. Sue me. Or I lost your subject, sir. Sorry. I told you I didn't want to do this.

"Fuck!" Uche uncapped her head, running a hand through her hair in frustration. An ache worried her temples. It was a damn simple job, she berated herself, you couldn't even do this right. What is wrong with you? "If you hadn't been a coward, this wouldn't have happened. If you'd been more open and encourage her to do the same, this wouldn't have happened. If you'd been warm and easy going, this wouldn't have happen." She paced as she ranted, not caring if she looked mad to anyone watching.

A thought, one she'd been dreading and dismissing crossed her mind yet again. What if Huma had been abducted? She was small. Someone could stuff her into a medium sized travel bag and dump it in his car trunk. Nobody would be the wiser. No, Uche rejected that thinking, she somewhere. There must be some place I missed. I'll search until I find her.

She turned around, intent on going back in but stopped. There Huma was, descending the stairs lifelessly. She looked up, saw Uche, and halted. They stared at each other for some moments, both painful relieved. Then Uche started forward, pointing a finger, her face contorting with anger.

"Where the hell have you been?!" she raved, eyes flashing. "I've been searching everywhere for your tiny ass, worried sick! Didn't I tell you to inform, that I'd accompany you here or are you deaf as well, huh?! Is this some child's game to you?"

"What's going on here?" Someone's gruff voice said from behind, but Uche didn't look at the muscled security guard as he came to stand beside her.

"Mind your fucking business," She spat at him, eyes solely focused on Huma who hadn't moved an inch.

"Which is what I'm doing," he retorted. "No shouting or fighting on the premises. You both will have to take your squabble somewhere else.

Uche ignored him, continuing with her rebuke as though no one had spoken. "You didn't have the common sense to leave a note. Worse you leave your phone and went to go do heaven knows what!"

"I'm going to have to ask you both to leave right now," The guard held Uche's arm. Much too angry, she didn't bother resisting. About pulling her along, he stopped at someone signaling him off, backed away and returned to his station.

"I have a good mind of hitting you, right---" the rest died in her throat as Huma lunged for her. Stunned, Uche stood still, and all the anger dissipated. Hugging her waist, Huma's body shook with the force of the sobs. "What is it?" she asked when she'd recovered from most of the shock. "What happened?" But Huma only cried, shaking her head. Whatever it was, the girl wasn't telling, so Uche desist from asking. "Christ, you're shaking," Hesitantly, she patted her back. "It's okay," she had the feeling of being watched, looked up to see Lawrence, hands in pockets, standing behind the car that woman had been leaning against, knowing she was inside. He gazed at her with a somber expression. They held eyes, briefly, intensely, after which he entered his car and drove off."Shhhh."

"Hey, we can't keep standing here," She grabbed Huma's shoulders, pulling them apart. "We need to get going, hm? Their dogs will patrol the route back soon." Wiping her face, Huma nodded then point at where her tears had soaked through Uche's shirt. "Don't worry about it. Let me go get your things. Wait here." But Huma held her back by the arm. "It won't take a minute. Don't move from this spot."

As she jogged away, wearing her cap, Huma took advantage of the time alone to regain composure. Most of the fear had left. What remained were shame and the feeling of being violated. Seeing the worry on her roommate's beautiful face had been a relief: Uche did care. That was why she'd let her vent. A few minutes ago, she would have been no more. The nightmarish time had been didactic, it had also made her analyze what was truly important. She'd been given a third chance at life, for unknown reasons and planned to take responsibility. Everyone had been protecting her all this while. Now she was saddled with protecting someone.

I couldn't do anything for Cody, Huma thought, but I can for her. It was cold. She began rubbing her palms together then frowned, looking down at the finger that should be wearing a ring.

It was empty.

A/N:

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