"Make arrangements,"  I spoke into the phone. " As soon as the election is over, I'll be coming to Benin." Sipping the wine in my hand, I stared at the bustling city below. It was always rush hour in Lagos. " I must say I'm rather disappointed that it took you this long to find her but you found her regardless, which is remarkable. My team wasn't able to pinpoint her location. You'll be rewarded."

Ending the call, I pocketed my hand and sipped more wine, a smile on my face. Finally, I had her. My pride had taken  a blow but it was worth it. I was sure skeleton would be estactic--in his own way. Even though, an ill fate awaited our reunion, I couldn't help the unbidden thoughts than filled my head: had she grown more beautiful? Was she happy? Had she made friends? Was she planning a life for herself?

The more she felt secured, the happier she was, the more exciting the effects.  Wine slide into the wrong tract and I coughed, spilling some on my suit. Ostrich rushed forward and began wiping the stains off, taking the glass from my hand. He'd been so quiet I had almost forgotten he was in the room.

"Leave it," I told him, and he stepped back hesitantly. Fortunately, the suit was black. I looked at the boy, his face was wan and swear beaded his forehead. "Have you started taking your drugs?" The boy was sick with malaria.

Ostrich nodded.

"It's obviously not working." I said, walking over and feeling his forehead. "I'll call the doctor. He'll give you injections. Take the next two days off."

"Thank you, sir." He said quietly, bowing his head before leaving.

Alone, I sat down, poured myself another glass of wine and called the doctor, after which i cogitated on my next job. As much as the thoughts of Uche's demise appealed to me, I still had the elections to worry about.  We'd covered the local areas and slumps garnering as much support as possible for the chosen candidates. There was always people to convince; people in need of silencing. Unfortunately, the election was rumored to be postponed further which meant more time to solidify our plans and make the old man happy, so we have  been on move, slitting throats and greasing palms.

My phone began ringing, pulling me to the present.

"Yes,"

"Sir, he made contact."

I smiled to myself. " Like we knew he would."

"What do we do, sir?"

"Has he mentioned anything?"

"Not yet, sir. But he plans to."

"You know what to do." I ended the call. Shaking my head, I snorted. " Some people never learn." What was that adage about stubborn flies?

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

The viper could sense trouble brewing. He'd just gotten off the phone with a rather vile,prideful member he hadn't thought would make contact twice, at least not until he was ready. The elections was four months away which gave him enough time to conclude his plans- he hoped. If he sensed otherwise he'd have to swing into action.

Lighting a cigarette, he leaned on the balcony, watching the scenery while his mind worked. From behind a woman hugged him, her naked body pressing into his. Although he'd recuperated from the old wound, she was careful with him.

"Baby," she said huskily in his ear, " what are you doing out here?"

"Thinking."

"About?"

Straightening, he turned around. For a mother of five, she had an amazing body. He touched her face which was beginning to age. A finger carressed her lips swollen from his freverent kisses. "You." Unbidden, an image of a much younger woman came to his mind whose innocence and bravery still haunted him. The viper frowned.

"Don't worry, my love, " the older woman reassured him, miscontruing his countenance for a deep rooted fear of losing her. " You'll always have me."

"It's cold," He told her, dispelling the thoughts of another. " Go inside."

"I have a better idea," smiling sultrily, she ran manicured hands down his bare chest while she bit down her bottom lip provocatively. " I'm already cold. Why don't you come warm me up."

Lustful passion stirred within him, and he lifted her up so she wrapped her long legs around his waist. They kissed slowly. But the viper had come to realize that each encounter lost its adventurous spark a little more.

**********

"I'd like to take him with me." Lawrence told Vanessa who had Jidenna sleeping soundly in her arms . They were at her boutique.

"But why?"

"He needs a change of scenery." He simply said.

"He needs a change of scenery?" Vanessa retierated, tone full of skeptism. "Okay, what are you not telling me?"

"Nessa, I feel you're beginning to get too comfortable with the whole arrangement and that's not a good idea."

"What do you mean?" He saw Vanessa instinctively draw the child closer, a mother protecting her own. The notion made him smile."He is my son. I may not be the perfect mother but I'm fully capable of-"

"I don't doubt all that," Lawrence cut in before she doubted her parental ability, " I've never seen him happier than when he's with you. He's eating well, sleeping well. That's not the issue here, Nessa. You've forgotten that this is dangerous for you and isn't' permanent. Not until we get his father to consent."

The woman looked at him in a way he couldn't understand then looked at the sleeping child. " You're right. I had forgotten." She seemed to be holding back tears. "I've kept him for far too long, haven't I?"

"Don't get me wrong. You'll still have access to him but just not as often. For now."

"So who's going to care for him? It's an all adult trip. You guys are going to be doing heaven knows what with him watching."

Lawrence refrained from telling her about his cursing and waking up with a boner after weird dreams. " Rita will handle him. We'll take turns. And don't worry, no one will be doing anything inappropriate around the child."

Standing, Lawrence came to her. "He'll be fine."

Vanessa's eyes glistened. " I know he will be. He's in the right hands." When she sniffed, tears dropped, so Lawrence handed her his handkerchief. She laughed softly. " This man sef. You hate seeing women cry that much, don't you, hanky man?"

"Lovely women," he corrected.

"Liar," Vanessa nudged him with an elbow. "I'm far from lovely, and we both know it."

Lawrence chuckled, " How do you explain your pastor fiance?"

Vanessa seemed tongue-tied. " Do you know he uses glasses? The first time we met, he wasn't wearing them." As she laughed, Lawrence shook his head.

When he was ready to leave, Vanessa asked. " Is she coming along?"

"She?"

"Uche, your gorgeous woman crush."

"She's not my---" Lawrence knew from her countenance that arguing would be futile and decided not to give her the satisfaction. " I don't know."

"But you want her to?"

He smacked his keys into his palm, saying nothing at first. " I don't know what you want me to say."

"Something is bothering you, isn't it?"

"Something is always bothering all of us."

"Don't give me that logic. You know what I mean. You know, I've always been able to tell. You just won't talk to me or anyone else. I just wish you would. Look," Vanessa rolled her eyes when he sighed impatiently. " Whatever it is, I trust things will figure itself out,"

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because God works in mysterious ways."

Lawrence chuckled."You do God now?"

"I'm to be a pastor's wife."

"Good point." When he got into his car, Vanessa leaned down.

"We could pray about it?" She offered.

"Not on your life." He said.

"And here I was thinking i could invite you for a Sunday service." Vanessa laughed at the distateful expression on Lawrence's face. " Then there's proclaiming Jesus Christ as your lord and personal saviour; there's baptism; Bible study class. Who knows, you could join the choir- oh, yeah you're a horrible singer so no."

Smirking, Lawrence said."What happened to making joyful noise unto the lord?"

Vanessa's smile was warm. "There may be hope for you still." Her face suddenly turned solemn. "How's he?"

Lawrence looked straight ahead. " I don't know, Nessa. I'm worried about him." He admitted, knowing it'd be the first time the woman heard him say so. They'd always been cat and dogs, still each day drove them further apart. "I don't know where he's at these days." He felt her hand on his shoulder, squeezing reassuringly.

"Well, I hope she comes."

He hoped so as well."You suddenly approve of her?"

"No, but she does make you happy, law. I've never seen a happier side of you in years than when she's with you."

As Lawrence drove off, he pondered over those words and hoped he was making the right choice. This time.

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

Kazeem entered his father's room. He saw the man in bed with his eyes closed. Dropping his bag on the floor, he stepped closer. The man roused and sat up.

"Good evening,"

Astonished the older man responded. "Good evening," He hadn't been expecting his son at least not for another six months. "How's school?"

"Fine. We just concluded our exams."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you," Awkwardly, Kazeem pocketed his hands. "It's been cold lately, so I came to check up on you and to make sure you have everything you need." He walked towards his bag said, " I brought you a coat." And wrapped it around the old man who still stared at him in wonder; then walked towards the window and stared out. "Actually, i want to hear everything. From the beginning. So tell me your side of the story. I'm ready to listen."

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

A young man landed in Benin City at exactly 11:pm on a Tuesday. The climate was much more temperate than he was used to, so he draped his trench coat on one arm, holding  a briefcase in the other hand. Behind him, a handler pushed the rest of his baggages.

He had an characteristic limp, which became prominent when he made unhurried short strides. That was why he walked faster, and elegantly so. His exotic aesthetics and height drew curious stares and awestruck fascination.

His phone was on one ear, currently conversing with someone very precious to him, who's love would have spoilt him rotten over the years if he hadn't created the necessary distance between them.

"You're well aware that you can't do that while on a flight, mother." His voice was deeply accented. " I'm on my way to the house as we speak, okay? So calm down." As he strode towards the exit of the arrival hall, beautiful eyes scanned the drivers and boards they held up. Although his driver didn't need his name or a board, the older man had known him since he was a boy. The uniformed man caught his gaze and smiled, bowing his head in deference.

Outside, he attempted to open the door of a sparkling Rolls Royce cullinan so the young man could enter, but he was waved off.

"I've got to go, mom." The young man yawned dramatically. The driver was seated and the car began to move." I'm exhausted. It was a rather long flight. I'll call you tomorrow. Goodnight from here. I love you." He looked to the front seat. "You couldn't pick a less ostentatious ride, Mr Menor?"

"Your mother decided otherwise."

"Did she now?" The young man smiled wryly. " So she's your boss."

"I believe you are, young master." The older man said good naturedly. " But aren't women eventually the bosses of us, since they mostly get their way."

"It's all a matter of perspective."

"From mine, sir, I find that you'll sleep better at night and live longer with a satisfied woman."

The young man chuckled. "Spoken from experience. I'll keep that in mind. How's your family?" He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes, truly weary from the travel.

"Very well, sir. We're expecting our seventh child."

"Congratulations, I see that you've not given up on your dreams to build a football team."

"Oh, I have, but my wife hasn't. We plan on making sure that another doesn't come after. The child shouldn't have happened but it seems he or she really wants to be a Nigerian. Let's hope they don't regret it."

That drew a laugh from the young man. The older man's sense of humour was ever present. "My regards to your wife. I'm impressed you still remember me."

"Your mother sent pictures. But I would have recognized you without them. Some things didn't change. I must say that you've become quite the lady killer."

The young man merely smiled.

"It's good to have you back, young master."

"It's good to be back." A lot was on the young man's mind and a lot wasn't.  He had come to make sense of his dreams and memories, even at his mother's disapproval, leaving behind his long time girlfriend, for a closure he so much needed. But first, he'd have a nice, long sleep.

     Author's note

Hey guys! And this marks the end of a hazel haven. But there are so many unanswered questions: What is Lawrence planning? What fate awaits Uche's new life? Will she finally open her heart to those around her? Will Uche and Huma's relationship survive the trials to come? Who is the new mystery man? What other secrets are yet to be revealed?

So much to look forward to.

Find out in book two: A hazel romance.

Thanks for reading!!!!