King

Asa's voice died down once I turned off the engine. I threw one foot out of the car and paused. The lyrics of the song drifted into my mind, I shook my head at the memories it evoked and a wistful smile crawled up my lips. I could still remember our first night together, the feel of my fingers running through Uti's scalp as Asa serenaded me with her melodious voice.

So beautiful, was the title. But life didn't feel that way anymore.

I missed the good, old days when my biggest worry was getting Mother off my back. Massaging the side of my head, I got out of the car and stalked to the entrance of the house. I needed to call Mother, it had been so long. Too long.

The lyrics of Asa's song returned to taunt me, the words swirled in my head as I hurried up the short stairs. I knocked once and pushed the mahogany door open. Nothing beautiful about today. Tomiwa might say otherwise, we were here for the suits fitting and it could be considered a beautiful occasion. But the conversation with Oz, the suffocating silence from the witness made it hard to be positive.

Umoh was free, that murderer walked freely among men. Because he knew people. What people? Oz was yet to answer that question.

Cheers from the parlour made me pause, I placed one hand on the wall and tiptoed past the door of the living room into the dining hall. Junior's voice rang out the loudest and my heart went out to Uche. He must be losing from the amount of times Junior had called him out.

"King." I jumped. My chest deflated in relief at the sight of the tall man seated on one of the dining chairs with a glass of pulpy juice in front of him. Tomiwa arched a brow, I flashed him a smile and shrugged. I must look a fool loitering another man's house with my sneakers in hand like a petty thief.

But Tomiwa wasn't a random man. He was my friend. My brother. He wouldn't judge. Still, I found the black tiled floors fascinating as I closed the distance between us and slid into the seat opposite him. My fingers drummed on the glass table, he cleared his throat but I focused on the bouquet at the centre. Nice leaves. Or whatever they called plastic flowers. Ornamentals? Fuck if I knew.

"When did you arrive?" I studied the spot above his head. Maybe we could repaint our house the same colour as his. "King Daniels."

Slipping my feet into my sneakers, I stumped them on the floor. "Now." My gaze lowered to him. "A few minutes ago. Why are you here?"

As the owner, he could stay in any part of his house and the stupidness of my question echoed in the ensuing silence. My head was spinning from the load of bad news, I could not think straight with the stare he levelled me and the awkwardness hovering over us. I hoped to slip in, take my measurements and slip out. Get home and steal kisses from Uti, maybe cuddle. Anything that involved having her in my arms and plenty body contact.

"This is my house," he answered at last and I nodded. His index finger circled the rim of his glass, he lifted his eyes to me. "King, how are you? Don't lie to me." My throat dried up, I stiffened. Was I that obvious? I swiped a sweaty hand over my eyebrows, ignoring the thumping in my chest. Tomiwa emptied the content of the cup into his mouth. "You have been scarce."

Hiding my hands under the table, I met his gaze with what I hoped was a neutral face. The smile that stretched his lips convinced me he saw through my facade. I rubbed my hands on my knees. "Yeah, I've been busy." Words shot out of my mouth before I could think them through. "Busy with work."

"Work?" My head bobbed like a puppet hooked with strings. "You quit weeks ago."

A lump lodged in my throat, the back of my hand met my neck and I offered him a shaky smile. Tomiwa was doing that thing, the thing where he made you confess to a sin you didn't realise you committed by staring at you. I couldn't succumb. He didn't even know Uti had kids. None of them did except Junior. It was not my story to tell.

"I'm working on something new," I said and stretched out my hands on the table. "I want it to be a surprise." A surprise to myself too because I had no idea what I was saying.

Pushing his empty glass to the side, he rose and motioned for me to do so. His hand connected with my back, he gave me a small pat, guiding us to his room. "We miss you."

I stopped, forcing him to do the same. This mind game he was playing, I wouldn't fall for it. "How? We have been chatting all week."

Chatting. Laughing. Teasing. Making lame jokes about the suit fitting which was today. Fisting my hands, I waited for him to push the door open and he did. We stood in front of the room, making no attempts to step in and I angled my head in his direction. I would rather listen to him talk gibberish than be quiet. It would be hard to force words out of me if he did all the talking while I nodded, interjected a few words when necessary.

"Yes, I know. We chatted and all that but we miss the real you." Inserting his hands into the pockets of his brown senator attire, he leaned on the wall for support and gave me a long look. "The King who cracks dry jokes."

Of all the things to say. My eyes narrowed. "I don't crack dry jokes. Warn yourself."

That elicited a small laugher from him and a corner of my lips twitched. "We understand how hard it is to quit a job you enjoyed but I promise, you did the right thing." His hand slid around my shoulder, the tension in the air dissolved as we took a step in. "We get it, you don't want to talk to us about it but don't pretend to be fine when you are not."

A snarky remark threatened to push out of my mouth, I shoved my hand into the pocket of my trainers. I loved working in Madiba but it was not the reason for my foul mood. We stood in the middle of his room, feet planted into plush rugs but I remained silent. He let out a sigh, stalked to the window to part the curtains and streaks of sunlight filtered in.

Tomiwa's eyes danced with mirth as should be expected of a man whose life was going in the right direction. Uti no longer wore her ring, we were doing better than a few days ago but it felt like we were stuck in a limbo.

"We are your brothers, King. Your pain is our pain." Folding his arms across his chest, the tall man pursed his lips as if expecting my reply. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm not in pain," I whispered. He pushed away from the window, I sauntered to the bed and sank slowly into it with my head sandwiched between my palms. Throwing an arm around my shoulder, he inched closer so our legs were touching. "I'm not in pain."

"You are, King. You are hurting."

A pang went through my heart, I squeezed my eyes shut. This guy, why must he always see beneath the surface? Why couldn't he accept the fake smiles like others and move on? With that much conviction and sincerity in his voice, I could not deny it.

"Maybe," I answered. "How can you be so sure?"

"You used lol," he muttered with a laugh. I stopped fighting the urge to smile and my lips curved into a small one. I only use that acronym when I want to humour the sender. Being in a group with my brothers meant I didn't have to humour anyone or pretend. "It was not even funny and you made it worse by adding those emojis."

Those laughing emojis that screamed fake, that made my heart hurt typing them since they didn't mention my monotone replies or call my attention to my laid-back attitude. Clutching my knees, I sat up and glanced his way with a wry smile.

"You noticed," I said.

Giving my shoulder one last squeeze, he retracted his hand and nodded. "We all did. We wanted to give you time to come to us at your own pace. But it's taking too long."

Warmth spread all over me, my heart filled with love. Maybe I could tell him. He strolled to his wardrobe before I could utter another word, my eyes tailed his movements as he ransacked his travel box. Minutes rolled by but my wristwatch said I had been here for only fifteen minutes. When Tomiwa turned back to me with a smile and white envelope, I started shaking my head. I didn't know what he wanted but the answer was no.

"We got you something." My brow shot up, I looked out his window to the tall fence. He didn't have a gateman. "Something to cheer you up." I ignored him when he returned to his former position beside me. This was one of the few times I preferred quiet Tomiwa. I didn't need cheering, I needed a permanent solution. "To let you know it's good you quit."

"You guys got me something?" He nodded. This would have been a good time to ask about Lola, to distract him from this useless conversation. But we already talked enough about her in the group, another word might lead to a talk about Uti and I would spill. "A gift for quitting?" That all knowing look and another nod came. I crossed my legs at the ankles. He still didn't get it. "Since when do you gift quitters?"

"Since when they quit toxic environments. It is just a congratulatory gift to celebrate." I released a sigh, he was spewing jargons but I let him continue. "Don't thank me. It was Junior's idea." Of course, it had to be, always looking for an excuse to celebrate. "That boy has sense sometimes." My lips curled into a wicked smile. "I didn't say anything o."

He spread the contents of the envelope on the bed, I held one of the tickets above my head but the words didn't vanish. My mouth opened and closed as Tomiwa discussed the plans for us to travel. Outside Calabar. A week vacation before he tied the knot, we could have the bachelor or hen's night there.

Lola loved the idea, everyone already cleared their schedule, all I had to do was say yes and agree to go with Uti since the expenses had been taken care of. His head tilted in my direction as he awaited my response, I pinched the bridge of my nose. At this point, I would welcome a vacation to the lagoon.

A vacation in another city would be epic, we all needed a break. Pushing the flight ticket back to the pile, I whispered, "There are ten tickets." For five of us, our partners and kids. Since he didn't mention Esther, it was safe to assume Junior didn't tell him. He answered in the positive, I twisted my body so we were facing each other. "You will be on the plane with us." Another nod. "You hate planes."

Fear was the right word. He had a phobia for planes. Though we had always wanted to travel farther distance as a group, we never did because of him. But he wanted us to do that now. Why? I didn't understand this gift.

"Yeah." He shrugged. "Lola will be there, you guys will be there, I can't hate it forever. Are you in or not?" Smiling, he added, "You better say yes." I chuckled and my head bobbed, we would need an extra ticket for Esther but for now, I smiled sheepishly at him. "Good boy."

Comfortable silence descended on us, my phone vibrated in my pocket but I didn't bring it out. It could only be Oz. I wanted to enjoy this moment a little bit longer. Tomiwa made for the door after tucking the envelope into the wardrobe, he paused in front of it without opening. I braced myself for his question.

"Are you really working on something new?" I cringed, unsurprised he caught my lie. My head moved left, then right and a look of understanding crossed his face. I waited for him to say more, remind me I had no need to lie. "The tailor is here, should I send her in?"

He left after a response left my lips. I counted the seconds until the door opened to reveal the tailor, grateful to have another distraction. We got to business right away, I forgot her name the moment she introduced herself and everything unrelated to the task at hand. I tensed when her fingers caressed my jaw, a shy grin plastered on her lips and my mouth clamped shut to stop from pouring out my frustrations on her. She stepped back, her gaze travelled my body and her head swayed as she observed me like an item on auction.

"Ma'am, my wife won't appreciate you ogling me, neither do I," I muttered in a bored tone. She was eye fucking me shamelessly. She closed the gap to resume her job, her hands lingered on my shoulder. Did people still use green nail polish? Ugh. Her fingers brushed my chest and I froze with a frown. "Hurry up."

Bile rose to my throat when she winked. Who encouraged her to swipe her tongue over her lips like a cigarette addict suffering from withdrawal symptoms? She looked like she was having a seizure, probably about to pass out with the number of times she already batted those fake eyelashes at me.

She offered one of what I supposed was her seductive smiles, I tasted the bile in my mouth and exhaled. Her gaze descended on my hand, she smirked. "I don't see a ring."

This time, I looked at her. Her long wig which I was certain was human hair, at least it matched her skin tone. Sharp brows above blue eyes anyone could tell were as fake as her eyelashes. Was any part of her real?

My disgust heightened, maybe my love for Uti blinded me to her hidden beauty but her appearance upset my stomach. I wouldn't be caught dead in the same vicinity with her. I loved bald women. Water probably hadn't touched this one's scalp in weeks, that was why she had troubles thinking before acting.

"You won't be seeing for much longer by the time my wife arrives to pluck out your eyes." My thumb brushed her cheek, her throat moved as she swallowed hard and fluttered her lashes. I smiled. "Behind all this beauty, there has to be some brains. Behave yourself."

The rest of the fitting went on without any more hiccups, I didn't even get a smile when she was done. Good riddance. By the time I sauntered into the parlour, the whole squad was already there, seated in front of the television which was showing the highlights of last night's match. I didn't watch it. It had to be in my head but Uti acted differently last night and this morning. She was too nice and the images that played made me groan.

What exactly did I want? I complained when she was cold and now I was complaining about her being too nice. Lord knows I more than enjoyed her moving on top of me today, the sight of her delectable mouth on my shaft right before she rode me to the moon. Still, I couldn't help that niggling feeling at the back of my throat. It was as if something bad was waiting to happen, what could it be?

The tracker showed her location, she was at home. I hated how worried I was about her safety but I couldn't help it. The gateman was supposed to give me a call if she tried to leave the house but he hadn't. So, what could be wrong? Why was this bugging me?

"Look who finally showed their face?"

It had to be Junior and he didn't disappoint. I ignored him and lowered myself into the sofa farthest from them. Tomiwa noticed, he gave me a small smile I reciprocated and my eyes went to the television. I had no interest in the match, I was only waiting long enough for it to be considered polite to leave. They didn't have to know I only came for the fitting.

The commentary from the television barely drowned out Junior's noise, my lips twitched when the screen went black and my head turned slowly to see that big baby holding the remote with a smug smile.

"Jobless men shouldn't be watching TV," Junior commented.

Junior arched a brow as I stalked towards him. From my side view, I noticed the others straighten in their seats when I grabbed him by his collar. He was bigger, more muscular and I would lose in a fight against him. The mad man knew. We all did, the same way I knew he was trying to get a rise out of me. I shoved him back into his seat and he winked. Smoothing the front of my shirt, I hissed; this was Junior, his job was to annoy everyone.

Laughter tumbled out of his lips as I made to leave, I would never know how or what exactly happened but his chuckle echoed in my head like that of a villain and I snapped. My hand swung back and my fist connected with his jaw.

The sound of broken bones pierced the air, I took another hit at his nose and the next moment we were on the floor.

Pried off me, he never got a chance to return the punches and I scrambled into a sitting position as the others fawned over him. Uche shot me a disappointing look, I shrunk and clutched my head.

What was I thinking?

Tears burned the back of my eyes, pain burned my knuckles as the adrenaline wore off. I should stop punching people. I was not good at it.

Junior cleared his throat, my eyes met his and I took in the sight of his bloody nose. Tomiwa left without a word. Uche offered Junior his handkerchief and a blinding guilt cut through me. The guilt intensified when Junior looked away. Tomiwa returned with an ice pack, not a glance sent in my direction.

"Emma is dead," I whispered as if it was an explanation for my behaviour. They never got to meet him. Wrapping my arms around my knees, I rocked from side to side and tears trickled down my cheeks. Saying it out loud made it more real. Emma would never come back. He was gone forever. "Emma is dead."

An arm circled my shoulders, tears blinded me from seeing the person. It had to be Junior, it smelt too much like him and it caused the tears I had held in for so long to flow. Another body pressed against mine, I chuckled at our uncomfortable group hug. We pulled away and Junior sat cross-legged in front of me, staring. He didn't speak, I was certain he couldn't. Neither could I even though Tomiwa and Uche's faces screamed their confusion.

The phone vibrating in my pocket saved me from having to explain myself, I frowned at the strange number on the screen. I picked and the voice of the love of my life filtered into my ear. My heart sunk lower into the pits of my stomach with each word she said and my nails dug into my palm. The call ended, I held it to my ear like I would receive another call to let me know the first one was a prank.

"What is it?"

I couldn't tell who asked with the ringing in my ears but I said, "Uti has been arrested."

*****

I apologise for the inconsistent updates but I have been mad busy. I have challenged myself to write more, between 10-15 chapters so I can round off the book and I hope it works cos this stress is killing me.

Most of y'all have been asking questions, some of which I can answer, some of which I'll not so I don't give spoilers. One thing is sure, I've spread hints all over the book. At least in previous chapters. If you can, please reread former chapters, the accident happens in chapter 50. You can read from there up till this point. Or, just read the whole thing while you wait for an update 😕 I know, I know, it's annoying but I have been too busy, eh.

I hope rereading those chapters clears the confusion. If it doesn't, God be with you. 😂🤣 But I'm certain when you reread, you will notice all the hints scattered all over the book. Throw all your questions at me, I'll reply them the best way I can. Even me sef, I want to finish the story, my tired is as tired as your tired.

Don't forget to vote, the votes on the previous chapters were quite discouraging. So, if you didn't vote, take a few minutes of your time to vote and share your thoughts and theories with me. Thank you. Thank you for reading.

Q: How are you? If you were born in the month of March, say hi.