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Taiwo's POV

Sounds of shuffling feet met my ears as I trod down the lonely walkway. Glancing back intermittently, I increased my pace and started jogging.

I shivered as a gust of wind snaked through the walkway, slithering across my face, harshly. At that moment, the chilling weather wasn't my concern. I tried telling myself that everything was going to be okay as my pace increased but I couldn't shake that odd feeling that danced in my stomach.

A silhouette flashed across the street and I halted immediately. Sucking in a deep breath, I did a U-turn, prepared to face whoever it was that had time to stalk me. Silence greeted me and I shoved my hands into my jean pockets in annoyance.

I was just being paranoid, I thought. With my eyes on the starry streetlight that was just about seven feet away from me, I exhaled deeply and kept on walking, ignoring the dancing shadows on the wall. It was probably the alcohol, playing cards with my brain. Putting on my ear pods, I didn't hear the shattering of glass by my right, nor the sound of hastened footsteps, nor did I see the gloved hand that shot out to grab my arm.

I froze on the spot and the last thing I saw before my brain shut down was the whiff of a blow directed to my chin. And then everywhere went black.

                                                  ~°~

My eyes fluttered open and I squinted open as the sun came blaring through the small window adjacent to where I was.
I slowly scanned my environment with a perplexed look etched on my face. The room was very small in size, with two dusty wooden chairs placed at the other end from where I was.

A small light bulb, positioned in the middle of the room was hanging loosely, swinging back and forth like a pendulum. I scrunched my nose momentarily. I couldn't pinpoint where the pungent smell was coming from. My breathing became erratic and my rib cage felt like it was crushing my lungs. I suddenly became claustrophobic.

It was then I realized my hands and legs were strapped to an old wooden chair in a very bizarre posture. My chest tightened as beads of sweat rolled down my face. I tried to raise my head but instantly felt a sharp throb on my chin.
Abruptly, obfuscated memories of last night came into play.
Images started pouring in like torrents and I squeezed my eyes shut trying to align them. When did I become amnesic?

After numerous failed attempts to loosen the bungee cord that was recklessly fastened to the chair, I slumped in annoyance causing the old chair to screech loudly.

As if they were positioned to move at the slightest sound I made, the door suddenly burst open and it was then it dawned on me. I had been kidnapped. Bracing myself, I began to think of words to say to whoever it was that held me hostage.

The metal door slowly gave way to reveal my kidnapper. My breath caught in my throat as soon as my eyes landed on her. Not only was I anticipating a male, but I was also not expecting to see a petite teenage girl. She was not more than four-feet-ten with smallish features.

Was I hallucinating again? I shut my eyes and opened them to see the same girl staring right back at me with big brown orbs.

"Wha-who-how-?" I stammered, unable to make a complete sentence.

"Save your voice for the boss. No talking till she gets here," she replied with a smooth accent and I could not help wondering if she had rehearsed it. She didn't move an inch from her spot by the door.

"Is the idiot awake?" I heard a deep but feminine voice ask.

"Yes, Tade." The girl who was now impatiently shuffling her feet replied.

My eyes widened for the second time that day as the so-called Tade bounced in, a club in hand. She was huge and intimidating with manly features. I cringed in fear as she approached me, suddenly noticing the clock ticking in the far-left corner of the room as it ticked in rhythm with the hitting of the club in her hand on her other palm.

I swallowed hard with my angular Adam's apple bopping and my pulses leapt anew as she dragged her hawkish gaze around my body. Her face was completely blank, and I bit my lips hard, gnawing on the chapped skin in a pathetic attempt to ignore the weight of her eyes.

I mentally prayed to my Creator to rescue me from that situation. After seconds of long deafening silence, she spoke up.

"I think this one will be good, untie him." Tade instructed the girl, her contralto voice booming across the small room, making me quiver momentarily.

Good for what? I asked myself, allowing my confounded mind to come up with every possible scenario.

The little girl strode towards me, looking at me with what I presumed as pity before putting on an expressionless face. Her dainty hands swiftly untied all the bungee cord skillfully in less than thirty seconds.

I heaved a sigh of relief, as I rubbed my aching wrist and chin.

"Get up!" Tade ordered and I jerked up immediately.

A sickening feeling sent a dull throb to my temples.

I shouldn't have stood up like that, I said to myself, rubbing my temples.

"Move!" She ordered again, but this time her eyes were red with fury.

I jumped at the sound of her voice and my feet wasted no time in getting to the door. Scanning the room once again, I tried to see if there was anything, maybe I clue that could give me an hint on what was happening.

"What are you looking at?" Tade growled from behind me and my voice caught in my throat.

"Nothing," I let out shakily after recovering my voice.

"He's such a coward," The younger girl said and they both laughed. I felt hurt and ashamed at the same time.

Mustering up some courage, I halted in my steps and turned to face them, avoiding Tade's bloody eyes.

"I deserve an explanation," I said and did my best to hold my head high enough. I can't let them see through me.

They both stared at me for a while before bursting out in uncontrollable laughter.

"Explanation my foot." Tade sneered.

"Yes. I need to know what you want from me. If it's money, fine. I can put a call through to my dad right now. He'll waste no time in settling you." I said and silently lauded myself for making a complete sentence without quivering for the first time that day.

I tried my best not to think of what could be going on in my house right now.

Humour left Tade's eyes and she looked at me with an indecipherable expression before turning. I followed her down a dark passageway where all the rooms looked alike. After climbing down an endless staircase, we reached what looked like a dining hall. A few guys were sitting around the tables, all dressed in white shorts and singlets. Was that some kind of uniform? What the hell is this place?

"Silence!" Tade ordered and the hall went dead silent you could hear a pin drop.

"We have a new member," she said and her voice rang loudly across the room, sending shivers down my spine. "Gideon, would you mind doing the honours." She added sweetly, a grim smile finding its way to her lips.

Kenny's POV

It was all my fault, my conscience screamed at me. I shouldn't have left him alone that night.

I should have seen this coming. Maybe, just maybe if we hadn't fought. If we had settled our differences before leaving the club, then maybe I wouldn't have taken the jeep and left him alone on the streets.

I paced wordlessly across the sitting room rummaging my head for ideas on what could have happened to him. My memory only took me as far back as the club.

It is not your fault! Another voice screamed in my head. I offered him the car but he chose to walk home.

I picked up my phone and called his number again. As expected, it went straight to voicemail.

"Everything is going to be okay," I muttered to myself still trying to even my breathing.

He was probably just avoiding me as he does anytime we had a misunderstanding. I ran my hands through my box braids, tugging at the root before letting go, clearing all the negative thoughts out of my head. It wasn't working one bit. I had that sickening feeling, that feeling I always have when my twin is not okay.

Maybe it's the alcohol, I said trying to console myself. I made my way to my bedroom and dropped on the bed staring at the ceiling.

I'm sure by tomorrow, he would have been back and we will act like nothing ever happened as usual. In less than ten minutes, sleep took me captive.

                                                  ~°~

The sound of my ringtone snapped me out of dreamland and I let out a groan in annoyance. My hand shot up to my head where a pulsating pain had arisen. I still get crazy hangovers whenever I take alcohol no matter how little.

I peered at my bedside clock before picking up my phone. It read 11 am. I never woke up that late.

"Something feels off," I muttered as I proceeded to check the caller ID.

Taiwo's chick 1

I let out a small chuckle. That was how I'd saved all his girlfriend's contact up to chick eight. This was the most loyal of them all and I silently pitied her. If only she knew how many rivals she had.

"Kenny do you know where Taiwo is?" She said as soon as I picked up.

"Nothing like how are you or sorry for disturbing your sleep." I scoffed. My ears perked up at her next words.

"I've been calling him but it keeps going to voicemail. He's also not replying to any of my texts. I've been worried—"

Her frantic voice sped past my ears as my brain registered that I had not set my eyes on Taiwo since the incident at the club last night.

Not bothering to change my clothing, I flung my phone on the bed, leaving Janet's frenzied voice to resonate across the room. I dashed out and bolted into Taiwo's room.

His blue bedspread laid there, cold and empty. Not wanting to take any chances, I checked his bathroom and only the sound of running water met my ears. My breathing became erratic as I flew down the stairs and into the kitchen.

"Good morning, Kehinde." Maria, our chef greeted me.

"Have you seen Taiwo this morning." I asked waving off her greetings.

"No, not at all. Is there a problem? You look dishevelled." She asked in concern.

I shot her a sheepish smile before running out of the house.

"John! Did Taiwo come in yesterday?" The security man jumped at the urgency of my voice.

"No, madam. I thought he came in with you."

"He didn't!" I freaked out. Hot tears threatened to fall off my eyes and I knew I would lose it very soon. Just two days ago, I heard a group of women at the salon, discussing a so-called kidnapper.

"They only kidnap men," The lewd woman had said. "My neighbour's son was kidnapped last week." She had continued.

I sat down on the tiled ground and buried my head between my knees.

"Madam you need to calm down. Why don't you call Oga and inform him about it," Maria said as she brought a cup of steaming coffee and placed it in front of me.

"He travelled out of the country yesterday. He'll probably be at a conference meeting right now. I don't want to worry him," I told her in between shaking sobs.

"What about that policeman, the one that Chief calls anytime something bad happens?" She suggested.

My eyes lit up as I remembered Detective David. He was the one who helped us with mom's case after her mysterious death.

With newfound hope, I sprang to my feet.

Taiwo's POV

They started talking inaudibly and I allowed my eyes to feast on the room that might soon be my home.

I shuddered at the thought of spending one more day in this hell-hole. My nose scrunched up at the malodor that hung in the air.

My mind wandered back home. To my flossy bed and its demulcent effect. It travelled to Taiwo. I had tried not to think of her up till now but I couldn't help it. Will she still be mad at me because of what happened in the club last night? Or will she be agitated and blame herself for leaving me to walk home alone?

If only I had listened to her and not thrown the first punch at the bulky bartender. If only I had swallowed my pride and taken her offered ride.

I jolted back to the present as someone slapped my shoulder, hard enough to put my brain in reset mode. I looked back to see a huge, intimidating guy looking down at me with a smirk. Tall and heavily built, I could have sworn that I saw his muscles ripping out of his shirt. He gestured towards another passageway that I had not noticed before and I took it as a cue to follow him. He opened a door on his left and shut it after I entered.

The room contained three bunkers and six beds in total. Pulling out a white vest and shorts, he tossed it to me and nodded towards a door that I presumed to be the bathroom.

"What is this place?" I asked, not bothering to hide my contempt.

"Is this some kind of prison? Are you the gaoler?" I enquired again; irritation evident in my voice.

"You will know when the time comes," He replied simply and walked out, shutting the door behind him. I flinched as he shut the door with a loud thud. I reluctantly put on the white vest and shorts. I spotted a small round mirror in the middle of the room and stood in from of it.

I grimaced at my reflection. There was a purple colouration around my chin and the spot was slightly swollen. My eye bags were so prominent and my shoulder slumped with exhaustion. I unwillingly looked away from the mirror before walking to one of the bunk beds. I sat at the edge of the bed with my face in my hands, lost in thought.
What did I do to deserve this?  I mumbled to my creator.

A silent sob racked through me but I bit down harder on my lip and drew the unwelcome metallic flavour of blood.

I jolted up, hitting my head on the bed above me as five other guys walked in. I winced, rubbing the spot slowly. The other guys were also dressed in the same vest and shorts. They looked so fragile and pale but I could tell they were my age mates. I suddenly wondered how long they must have been here.

"Get out of my bed!" The shortest one, of about the height of 5'5 and a clean shaved head ordered in a high tenor voice. My eyebrow knitted and my mouth was slightly ajar.

"Now!" He shouted and I stood up immediately while the remaining guys laughed at me. He reached his bed, dusting a speck of non-existing dirt off it before laying on it, facing the opposite direction.

The remaining boys trudged to their beds not bothering to spare me a glance. I shook my head and heaved out a sigh before walking to the only empty bed.

Kenny's POV

"The search will begin in full force. You will get your brother back." Detective David said as he stood up from the couch and smoothened out his three-piece suit.

I dragged myself to my feet and followed him out the door. "Are you sure you don't need any help." I said, biting my lips to stop them from quivering.

"Like I said earlier, Miss Williams. I and my team have been on this gang of abductors for a long time." The bearded man said placatingly.

"This woman, Mrs. Banks or whatever her name is, why is she doing this?" I asked him, fear lacing my voice.

"That is what we are about to find out. Don't worry, justice will be served." He said soothingly and turned around to leave.

I pouted hopelessly at his figure and bit my lips for the umpteenth time that day. Sighing heavily, I went back to my room and threw myself on the bed pondering over the bizarre words my ears had taken on today. It sounded unreal but deep down I knew it was true.

What I still couldn't figure out was why? Why will a fifty-year-old woman abduct boys and sell them as gigolos? What type of women bought them from her? According to David, she stood in the top chain as one of the biggest drug smugglers in the country. The work was never done by her of course. It was always the boys. The ones who get caught during airport searches and security checks are left to rot in jail.

What will Taiwo be doing now? What kind of food do they feed them with? What kind of cloth do they wear? Does she treat them as prisoners? Does Taiwo have to share a bed? Or has she already sold him out? I could not stop the endless stream of questions that kept pouring in. I need answers. And I need them fast too. I should trust the detective to play his part but I also have to do my investigations.

Taiwo's POV

I faced the wall and shut my eyes tight, still pretending to be asleep, listening to my fellow roommate's conversation.

"Do you think we will ever leave here?" One of the guys asked.
I heard an audible sigh.

"Guy, I don't know o. At least you've been here for just few weeks. I have been here for almost two months and I haven't been able to escape." The guy whose bed was under mine, responded. My stomach churned at the very thought of not being able to leave here. I still have no clue what this 'institution' is all about. What could they possibly want from me? I stopped my rational thoughts when my ears picked up something.

"I heard his dad is very wealthy. So..."
I heard loud booming laughter, from the same guy who pushed me earlier. "No wonder they were all making a big deal out of it. So him popsy get money? I'm sure Madam will make loads of money just by using him." He stated dryly, a melancholy bitterness dripping through his words. At that moment, I wasn't concerned about the harm his words had on me. I just wanted to know what they were going to do to me.

As if the universe were against me, I heard the sound of the door being flung open.

"Where is Taiwo Willams?" A familiar deep feminine voice said. My heart began to beat erratically and I was certain everyone in the room could hear it from a mile away.

"He's asleep." The same guy who was sleeping under me said and I mentally thanked him.

"Mtcheeeew!" She hissed loudly and my shoulders slumped thinking she must have left but I was so wrong. I received a hard smacking on my back which made me jolt up instantly.

"Get up my friend!" She ordered. I cowardly obeyed her instruction, wincing as I got down from the top of the bunk bed.

"Let's go." She said and pushed me out of the room.

Kenny's POV

The unusual silence in the house was disturbing. What kind of sister would I be if I just sat here in my cozy room while my twin was experiencing only God knows what in that dungeon? Throwing on a thick leather jacket, I propped to my knees and bid a silent prayer to God. I wasn't even sure if he heard me. I wouldn't blame him if he didn't, considering my sinful life. Sighing heavily, I managed to conceal the tears that wanted to start sliding down my cheeks.

For the first time that day, I threw a glance at my reflection in the mirror. They would definitely not recognise me at the club this night. Opening the double doors stealthily, I stepped out into the cold night air.

Luckily for me, John was fast asleep so I sneaked out easily. The club was just a fifteen-minute walk from my home. On the way there, I realised I didn't have any plan. Probably just ask the bartender to show me the videos from the CCTV camera of the previous night. Maybe, just maybe, I could find something there.

Pulling my hoodie above my head, I took in a deep breath and stepped into the disco illuminated room. The place was buzzing with life and I had to squeeze myself through the throng of people that swayed their bodies effortlessly to the loud music. I exhaustedly slumped on a stool as soon as I got to the bar.

"Kenny!" Joshua, the bartender exclaimed.

"How did you know I'm the one?" I asked, surprise clouding my face.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, waving my question.
Looking around to make sure no one was listening; I narrated the whole ordeal to him.

"Detective David is here." He said after my narration. "He also came to get some clues." Just then, the officer in question walked out.

"W-wha—what are you doing here?!" He exclaimed in shock.

"I'm not going to sit and do nothing while my brother is out there." I managed to muster, putting on a brave face.

The officer's stoic expression remained as he stared at me. "Kehinde. I know how difficult this is for you. But you need to understand that this is not a small case. For your safety I'll advice you stay back and let us do our job."

Taiwo's POV

"Madam, he is here," Tade announced, dragging me by my vest into the new room.

The room was totally different from the rooms we were sleeping in. It was about the size of my room, back at home. The walls were painted an off white colour, with the gold chandelier giving off a glittering effect. Right in the middle of the room was a king-sized bed, with white and navy-blue sheets and pillows arranged neatly on it. What caught my attention was the woman sitting on the edge of the bed.
She was clad in royal blue Iro and Buba, with a gold Gele tied elegantly on her head. The gold pieces on her earlobes and the hollow of her throat sparkled under the golden chandelier lighting. She looked like she was in her mid-forties with just little make-up painted perfectly on her face. Her full red lips stretched into a sly smirk.

"You must be Taiwo " She stated in a soft but sharp tone, scrutinizing me from head to toe.

"Tade you can leave us."
Tade bowed, before scowling at me. She left the room, shutting the door with a loud thud and I jumped.

"So..." The lady stood up, adjusting her Iro.

Kenny's POV

I made sure to park as far away as I could from the two police cars that the detective and his crew brought. I stealthily got down and contemplated going back home. No, I couldn't back up after coming this far. When David had asked me to go back to sleep and let them handle it, I had gone to back to take the car. It was difficult convincing John that I was feeling lonely and needed to go to a friend's house. He insisted on following me but I managed to dissuade him.

Luckily for me, the officer's troupe were just leaving the club by the time I got there. I had trailed them making sure to keep at least three cars in between us. After doing all that, I couldn't believe that I'm still reconsidering my decision.

Without wasting any more time, I crept down and followed down a narrow walkway. A small shack sat at the end of the road and they all advanced towards it. I quietly tiptoed after them making sure to stick closer to the bushes on either side of the lane.

My legs tripped over something and I let out a yelp.

"Freeze!" One of the policemen shouted and pointed a gun at me. I instantly felt the blinding effect of their torchlights on my face.

Squinting, I slowly stood up and raised my hands above my head.

"Please, don't shoot!" I pleaded. My head was spinning and I felt jittery.

Detective David stared at me and sighed heavily. "I told you to stay back. Follow me and stay as close as you can. This is no child's play." I nodded and we proceeded to the shack.

I stayed outside with the detective while two officers went inside. We heard a large thud and one of them signaled for us to come in. A big muscular guy was sprawled out on the floor. We followed them down a cellar and into a dimly lit passageway. There were two doors. One on our left and one on our right. Two burly guys were parading the doors. Luckily for us, they couldn't see us. Detective David pulled me back into the cellar and gave the other guys a sign. They went in and the sound of gunshots filled the air. I gasped with each sound and immediately wished I had been obedient. Dread washed over me.

"Boss. Coast is clear." One of them whispered and we went in. I tried not to look at the guys that were sprawled on the floor. Blood was spilling from the left side of one of them. A sound was coming from our left so we took the left door. The noise increased as we got closer.

The sound led us to a big dining room where all the boys  yes, they were all boys  were chatting away. I raked my eyes over them and tried to spot Taiwo.

Some seemed placid. Some looked depressed and lonely. My heart lurched as I noticed that they would all be in my age group. And here they were, wasting their life away because of one woman.

I raked my eyes over them and tried to spot Taiwo. My eyes became misty when I didn't see him. What have they done to him?

"What do we do now?" I asked the officer who was hopelessly looking around, probably searching for a way we could enter without being noticed. No sooner had the words left my mouth, a guy with frames and a slim appearance bumped into us. His eyes bulged from underneath his glasses as soon as he saw Detective David's badge.

"Police!" He half-whispered, half-screamed.

"Yes, I am a cop. And I'm here to help you. But I can only do that if you let me. We need the location of your kingpin's room. Mind showing us the way?" He asked authoritatively but yet polite. The guy nodded and muttered, "Follow me."

Taiwo's POV

I shifted my legs impatiently on the floor as Mrs. Banks rambled on about her life. For how long, I couldn't tell. She told me about how she was supposed to get married to my dad but he chose my mum instead. How painful it had been for her. How she was abandoned and had to live from hand to mouth. How she was introduced to drug smuggling. How she started this business of abducting boys and selling them off. How she's getting her revenge by kidnapping me. How she did this and did that. Why she was telling me all of that, I had no idea. What I wanted to know was what this crook would do to me.

"Your mother was a selfish bitch. It's so said you would be the one to suffer for what she—"
The door suddenly burst open and three policemen came in, pointing their guns at her. Her face suddenly went white.

"H-how did you get in…how did" She stammered. The stolid mask she wore earlier on had disappeared and her face was the definition of terror.
I took my chance and sprang up from the chair she had asked me to sit and ran to stand behind the policemen.

"Taiwo!" A familiar voice screamed. I turned and saw Kenny squealing with glee. She spread her arms wide open and I went in.

"I missed you. I swear I missed you. I almost died. I got heart attack. If you know what I went through, I felt—"

"Kenny calm down jor." I said, excitement and relief washing over me. Even though we had our differences Kenny and I shared a special bond.

I looked back to see that Mrs. Banks was already in handcuffs and was being pulled out of the room. I and Kenny followed them out and into the bigger room where we saw the boys earlier. They were still there but the noise had died down. Gasping sounds echoed through the room when they saw us. Mrs. Banks lowered her head in shame. At the far end of the room, I spotted Tade and one other sturdy girl I had not seen. They were also handcuffed.

"What's going to happen next, what about the rest of the boys?" I asked the detective.

He looked at me and smiled. "Justice will be served."

AUTHORS:

Progress tumi_lhara and Ibukun ibby_gal