Later.....

He hated places like this. The hot air. The booming music. The composite smells. But it was in such a place that he had met her for the first time. An exquisite, rugged woman. He remembered thinking the combination odd. She had walked towards his seat with his fiancée to be---of course, after beholding someone like Uche, thoughts of another were soon forgotten. He became infatuated with those eyes, obsessed with wanting to possess her.

She'd rejected him even though there'd been an obvious attraction, earning his resentment. Then she'd done it again. In public( his fault for calling her bluff). It had taken his swift connections to keep everything hushed. Damn her. He wouldn't let this time slide: not after all the heart ache and troubles she'd caused.

Nosakhare checked his watch. Past nine o' clock. For how long did he have to wait? He furtively glanced around, tugging his cap lower when a couple passed by eyeing him suspiciously. They couldn't recognize him with the dark shades on but he wasn't taking any chances. He sipped his drink and waited still. He'd managed to secure a spot quiet, secluded enough.

It was almost eleven when this person strode leisurely to his corner of the room.

"Had a protracted engagement," the tone was unapologetic.

Nosakhare frowned. He wanted to demand for the deserved apology but bit his tongue instead. Something warned him against trifling with this person."Isn't the suit a bit too much? I don't want us to attract attention."

The person smiled. A tip of the lips. It was a wry one."Business men come here all the time to unwind. More common than some shifty individual wearing dark shades in a dark room." One gloved finger was held up to signal for a drink. " You're doing a fine job of that already."

Nosakhare watched the person sample the drink, savour the taste. There was an awkward silence as they observed each other, then the person spoke.

"It's been awhile. After all these years of keeping your distance, minding your business, imagine my surprise when I got your call. You aren't having some strange thoughts again, are you? It would be a shame if you are."

Uneasy, Nosakhare swallowed. "I just have information. That's all."

"Interesting. About?"

"Uche,"

The person seemingly paused while taking another sip. "Do you now? And what might that be?"

"I heard you've been looking for her," Nosakhare lowered his voice. " I know where she is."

"You do? Do tell." The person indulged.

"First, tell me why?" He dared, knowing his words couldn't be unsaid. " I thought everything was....done."

"Well," the person sat back, crossing legs. "She owes us. We simply want to collect a debt."

"A debt?"

"A debt."

" She schools in Benin," he told the person the name. " She's also part of a team under the NGO I work for, the Benin Division."

"Anything else?" The person was nodding slowly as he polished the details. "Thank you, Nosa. You've been very helpful."

"You aren't going to hurt her or anything, are you?" Nosa said as the person stood up. He resented her but not enough to want her badly hurt, and he knew their capabilities and expertise.

"Me? Not at all." The person said. " Not one hair on her head." About leaving the person paused, turned. " I'm curious. You've known her whereabouts all this time and only informed me now, why is that?"

" I just forgot." Nosakhare fumbled, reluctant to say.

"No, that's not it." The person sat back down, drew closer, propping up elbows on knees. " You want to know what I think? I think you were hoping an opportunity would present itself. Somehow, she'd forget all you did to her-- time heals all wounds--that sort of nonsense. And then, miraculously, you'd get the girl of your wildest fantasies. What you've always wanted. My guess is, she rejected you. Again. Maybe even got a bit physical. Now, you're hoping to get a little cold revenge to feel good about yourself." The person smiled at his silence. " Nosa. Lover boy. I see you haven't changed. Still trapped in that witch's spell." Nosakhare nearly jolted when the hand fell on his shoulder. "I don't blame you. She posseses something unearthly and along with it comes destruction to whoever gets close enough. Don't worry. She'll get what's coming to her and it will all be over. You'll be free to live your life. We all will."

*********

"You sure this won't bite you in the ass?" Anthony asked, leaning on the rail while Lawrence put his back against one of the pillars, head tilted back. They were outside Jidenna's daycare center. Inside the boy was spending quality time with his mother.

"As long as you keep your mouth shut," murmured Lawrence , eye closed, "and the meeting point changes. It won't. To be completely honest, you are the risk here."

"What do you mean? I'm completely secure."

"You work for him, and I'm part of the job. Whose to say he doesn't know already?"

"You knew that and yet you told me and brought me here."

"Yeah. What the hell was I thinking?" They shared a friendly chuckle.

"Well, your secret is safe with me," Anthony assured.

"It's our secret now, if you choose not to tell. And I doubt it's safe, knowing how much have been reported back to me."

Anthony smirked. "I talk when I'm happy."

"For all our sakes, I hope that doesn't happen very often. I know it must be hard but do try to restrain yourself if it does."

"Yes, boss." Straightening Anthony took out a cigarette and had a lighter underneath when Lawrence plucked the stick from his lips and flicked it away. "What--"

"This is a school, you idiot. Try dey think well sometimes."

"Excuse me,"

They looked to see a petite woman in the doorway whose eyes shifted between them. " Mr Lawrence?"

"Yes?" The relief , although guarded, on the woman's face had him smiling. Rita was a special girl indeed. "The lady wants to see you."

When Lawrence re-entered the playroom, Vanessa was sitting on one of the chairs, Jidenna asleep in her arms while she crooned to him. She seemed to glow. He stood in the doorway, watching the sentimentally beautiful sight. Then Vanessa raised her head.

"Oh, don't mind me,"

"How long have you been standing there?" Vanessa asked as he came to sit beside her.

"Not long enough."

"Thank you," Vanessa said, face beaming joy." I know you must be busy. Instead you're here ensuring I don't abscond with him. Still, this means so much to me."

"You're his mother. He needs you. I'm not going to let him go through what we did if I can help it." They looked at each other then, saying nothing, and Vanessa gave a sad smile. Two persons who shared an unsavoury history.

"You really love him, don't you."

Distracted, Vanessa frowned, smiled when she realized who he meant. "Of course! How could I not? He's my child. The thought that something this beautiful came out of me is beyond miraculous." She caressed his cheek. As if the gravity of the question finally sunk in she scowled at Lawrence, affronted. "How could you even ask me that?"

"Not all mothers love their children," Lawrence said, shrugging. "Ours didn't."

Vanessa fell quiet. The truth was inarguable. "Well, I love mine. I've always wondered why my parents would throw me away. Perhaps I wasn't beautiful enough? Was I a product of rape or something( that would make more sense). I didn't ask to be born." Tears shimmered in her eyes. Her voice quavered. "The least they could have done was take responsibility or do the needful, you know."

When Lawrence brought out the handkerchief, Vanessa had to laugh. "Always the gentleman." Sober, she heaved. " Now that I'm a mother, I can't understand why one would hate or part with her child. It's unbelievable to me. Maybe it's because the father is someone I used to love even though he never wanted me. I don't know. But," she smiled now. " I know one thing I love my child and I'd do anything for him."

"Good," Lawrence sat back, pinching his nose bridge and closing his eyes.

"Still not sleeping?"

"On some days now." He murmured.

"You sure it's not your blood pressure or that sleep disorder--oh what's the name?"

Lawrence smirked, impressed."Insomnia?" It wasn't. He'd know. His dreams didn't haunt him often enough.These nights, he felt like he was being watched, except there was no one. Perhaps he was losing his mind."I'm sure it's nothing. So what's up with you and your pastor?"

"Still where we are. Frankly, I don't know what to do. He's not rushing me though. He's patient man. We're taking things slow. And there's news." The next few hours she narrated the supposed next phase of her life and Lawrence raptly listened.

"Do you trust him?" Vanessa asked Lawrence as they strode towards his car, Anthony straggling behind.

"Mostly." With Jidenna strapped in, Anthony entered the vehicle, leaving them alone. "You sure you're okay from here?"

Vanessa nodded, distracted by the view of her sleeping son through the window. "I miss him already."

Lawrence said nothing for awhile, leaning on the car." We'll need to change meeting point soon. For now, we'll take a break. Less likely to get caught that way." They'd already overstayed. Days had turned into weeks.

"I understand," then she started smiling.

"Care to share?"

"It's just...I see the way he clings to you. He's much more playful when you're around. Shows you're around him most of the time. Does he spend time with his son?"

"Not as much as he should. He's very busy these days."

Vanessa's smile broadened. " I see."

"There's something else. What aren't you telling me?"

"Just don't be surprised when he calls you papa,"

"Come on now," Lawrence snorted. "He should know who is father is." He suddenly seemed uncertain. "Right?"

Vanessa shrugged. "Well, his case is quite special."

"Nessa....."

The possibility unnerved him, and Vanessa laughed.

*****

Earlier....

G&H. 09:30pm. Don't be late.

He deleted the message, replacing the phone on the night stand. Slowly, he disentangled himself from the sleeping woman and headed for the bathroom where he showered. Moments later, he was donning on his clothes. Nine o'clock was only thirty minutes away, and the night club from the hotel would take twenty.

The sheets whispered as the woman stirred awake. The lights came on, dispelling the darkness.

"What's going on?" The woman asked groggily, squinting under the light, clutching the duvet over her chest as she sat .

"Something came up," He responded.

"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" she started towards him.

"No, it can't."

"But it's late. It's not exactly safe."

"I'll be fine."

"You sure it can't wait?"

"I'm sure." Her big body suddenly pressed into him from behind, flabby arms wrapping around his waist.

"I thought I'd have you all to myself this time." He peeled her off him and turned, pulling their bodies closer.

"Thought so, too. But it's my family. I have to go,"

Worry etched the woman's face. "I hope it isn't serious?"

"It's nothing I can't handle."

"If you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me. You know I'd do anything for you."

" I know,"he caressed a cheek, smiled affectionately."I'll make it up to you next time." He whispered something in her ear that made her giggle, made her hot then kissed her forehead. "It's a promise. Now, go back to sleep."

"I love you,"

Of course she did. They all did. He didn't give them much of a choice. The van was parked in a discrete spot outside the night club. A hefty guy emerged from inside as he approached.

"Can I help you?" The guy demanded, blocking the door. No response. Attempt to get past was stopped by a big hand on his shoulder. He stared at it then the imposing guy. "I said, can I help you."

" Take your hand off him if you value it." A voice warned from inside. " You don't touch the viper without getting beaten."Immediately the big guy let him go, stepping aside and spouting apologies.

"Don't let that pretty face fool you."

The viper redirected his focus to other person. The chameleon, who smiled, almost placatively. " Pardon him. He's new, and very enthusiastic about about his job."

Viper made no comment. "You ready for me?"

"Certainly. This way." They entered into the van. There were two other men with headphones working on computers. Sitting idly on the other end of the van was a boy whose face swelled with bruises. He had a disguishable long neck. He flinched when the big guy from earlier dropped down beside him.

"He's new as well," chameleon, who was standing behind the focused men,said. Viper joined them." A slow learner, that one." The screens showed the inside of the club, people dancing, lights flashing, conversations no doubt being overheard." That's our girl." They zoomed in.

Red dress. Lost eyes. Far too young. She sat at an empty table, nursing a cup of wine while watching others have fun. Seemed easy enough.

"You could have handled this," viper stated. He had no interest in this part of the business.

Chameleon agreed. " We could have, but our girl is under constant watch. See," several bodyguards were singled out. " Over protective dad. Don't blame him. We considered an ambush on her way to school--the old fashioned way-- but that would make far too much noise, a gun battle would most likely ensue, and the police could be on our trail within minutes. The alternative? Quietly lure her out. No noise. The bait, we figured, needed to be someone proficient and very easy on the eyes. You came up. I know you have-had other engagements but it's a delicate assignment."

Viper studied the screens. "What about the tails?"

"Will be handled in due time. We wouldn't want to stress you more than necessary. Fortunately for us, the bartender is amenable."

"Heavily guarded. Overprotective parents. Yet she's at a night club," the viper mused.

"Definitely odd. Our girl has a thing for music. Student by day, DJ by night. Some nights, actually. From what we gathered, she performs at certain clubs on certain days. Today happens to be one of them."

With a lack for nothing, it was easy to engage in leisure hobbies. Lucky them. His body began to hum.

"Would you want your tip now or after?"

The viper sniffed, eyes locked on the target. "After." When he entered, the target was performing, bobbing her head as she manipulated the rhythm. The music was good. He chose a directly opposite hers, ordered a drink, sipped, and waited. About an hour later, she sat by her lonesome. Everyone steered clear under the watchful, grim eyes of the body guards.

Occasionally their eyes met. He would smile, and she would bashfully avert her gaze. He waited still. Then she was before him.

"May I?"

"Depends on them," He nodded towards her advancing tails.

"Not a problem," She assured. "As long as you behave. So will you?"

"I make no promises,"

A sly smile passed her lips. "Me neither." Sitting, she signaled the men away. Reluctantly they obeyed but remained within range. " Urgh! They can be so frustrating."

"How so?"

"A simple conversation is a problem. It's just talking. Wish they could get off my case sometimes." She grumbled.

"Why don't you put an end to it then?"

She made a disgruntled noise. "My dad. He just won't allow it."

" You can't blame the man. There are really bad people out there," the viper smiled over his drink.

"Well, I can handle myself." She was silent a moment, downed more of her drink. "Sorry, I don't usually do this. Uhmm. Most of the time people just keep their distance."

"Wrecked your social life, huh."

"Totally," she laughed, and told him her name.

He didn't care. "Or?"

She looked puzzled then slowly smiled. "DJ Uphorik, without the 'e' and a 'k' at the end instead of 'c' "

" You spin some good tunes. Had fun watching you."

"Thanks," She began twiddling with her glass. He could see her uneasiness, feel her vulnerability to him."You must be new here. I haven't seen you around, and I come here often."

" Maybe you missed me. You have a lot of fans here. Hard to spot one guy in this crowd," he ordered a drink, filled his cup.

"You're hard to miss, believe me," She countered while he filled her cup."No, you must be new. I would have noticed."

"Because?"

"Because you're so.......hot," giggling, she sipped. "I know you must get that a lot."

"Not enough from beautiful women,"

"Now, you're just being polite."

His gaze was intense, she stared back, mesmerized by his dark eyes.

"Uhm," she averted her gaze with much effort. " So i just wanted to say hi,"

"I appreciate that. So every new guy here gets a courtesy hi from you."

"Well, not every. Some." She paused, laughed sheepishly. "I guess I better go back to my table."

"I'd prefer you stayed."

"But what about your woman? She would be really pissed if she saw us, and I don't want any trouble. Not that you aren't worth it." She rushed to say.

The viper chuckled." I'm single."

She smirked. "I really doubt that."

"Yet you'll stay and drink with me."

She stayed. They drank, talked, laughed. On the dance floor, it was just the two of them then he suddenly disentangled himself from her, slipping away through the crowd as she stared in puzzlement. She would follow. They always did. Outside, he watched her search the darkness for him. Quietly, he brushed one ear with his lips.

"Looking for me?"

On a near scream, the girl whirled around, crashed into the body behind. Instantly she was supported upright by a hand. She burst out laughing, shaking off hair from her face. " You scared me." She was soon pulled into the dark abyss that were his eyes.

She stepped away. " You just left. Something wrong?"

He shook his head, said, "Need something from my car," and started walking towards the vehicle. "Why don't you accompany me?" He saw her hesitation. " Your guards could also join us if you're too afraid."

The girl stared after him, glanced around and at the entrance to the club, bit her bottom, followed. Just as expected. "I'm not afraid." But he could hear the uncertainty in her voice. " Is it far? It's just awfully quiet out here."

"It's not." The viper smirked. "Don't worry. It'll be over before you know it."