Saved by an enemy
On the flight back to Lagos, Bode was finding it difficult to think straight. Scary thoughts came to him as he stared at the clouds. And for the first time in a long time, he thought of praying. He closed his eyes,he wanted to stoop down to feel he was praying right. For about fifteen seconds, he was trying to figure out how to start, he sighed heavily. "Dear Jesus...thank you... Forgive me... God please!! take care of Peju. I don't know how to say this Lord,but I'm scared, just give me one more chance to make it right, please Lord.",finally words came out.
People had stopped trooping into Jacobs house,but it was still filled with people. Toni suggested that they report to the policemen, but Uncle Thomas thought it was better to wait for Bode. "It's almost 3hours,we can't just sit here and do nothing ",Mrs Adegbesan said. Folake was amused,that was the first time her mother didn't support her son. She smiled," Bode is coming, I have sent Akani to the airport, he will be here soon.",Folake replied. The house resounded with the car horn,"Mr Jacobs has arrived!",Jasmine notified and everyone rushed out. Bode alighted and Folake rushed to meet him with tears in her eyes,he embraced her ,"We don't really have time Folake,any news?" Bode asked immediately he released her." Peju has been kidnapped, and they want five million Naira cash for her release.", Folake rapped. " Okay...let's go to the bank",he said turning to get into the car. "But we should go to the policemen first, five million is a lot", Folake called after him." I can't risk this Folake, I've seen situations like this, and it doesn't go pretty well for those who involve the policemen. Let's get our daughter first, it's dangerous she's with them. We can involve the policemen later, please. ",he explained and Folake nodded. Uncle Thomas and Mrs Adegbesan followed the couple into the car leaving Toni in charge of the house. " Stay safe!!"Folake had told Toni before she left. Jasmine walked up to Toni "Do you think they will bring her back?",she asked,she was scared and it was so obvious." I trust God,he will protect her,she will be back. Safely",Toni assured her. "Come on,let's go inside", He gestured her into the house.
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Peju was alone with her diary. " Seconds became minutes, minutes is now hours, God please,it can't turn into days..."she entered into it. She was about to write something else when she heard someone approaching. Guessing it was Felix,she closed the diary and pretended to be asleep. She wasn't ready for his chitchat. The door was opened and closed almost immediately and very quietly. She got suspicious because Felix had never open the door like that. She opened her eyes without moving to see who it was,a figure that was definitely not Felix approached her. He moved cautiously so as not to wake her up. Fear gripped Peju. She could take a stab at what he wanted, and she held on to her pen tightly. 'I'd kill him if he tries anything, I swear it'. When he was close enough, he lowered himself before her. But before he could lay a finger on her,she jabbed his thigh with the pen and he let a thunderous scream out as she pushed him away. She tried to run to the door, but he grabbed her leg."Help!!",she screamed as she kicked and fought with all her strength. He struggled up, tore her dress off and tried to overpower her,she grabbed the pen and poked his hand severely,"Help!!! Someone! Anyone!!", she screamed louder. He slapped her with his other hand," No one will save you! No one can save you! You are caged!",he cried fiercely as he approached her removing his trousers. Peju was cursing loud and before he could descend on her,the door creaked opened and Baba Comrade rushed into the room. "Wole! Stay away from her!" he ordered disgusted at the situation. Wole stared fiercely at Baba Comrade, "Why? Ok, you go collect your five million naira and pay your daughter's hospital bill, Wetin be my gain?Nothing!",he snapped as he tried to grab Peju. " I said let her go! If you touch her, I will blow your head off. " Baba Comrade pointed his pistol at him. Wole gave him a daring look,he grabbed Peju's hand and the gunshot went off. Peju screamed as she saw blood gush out of Wole's head,she had witnessed two murder on the same day,by the same person. She couldn't take it anymore, she passed out.
Bode had withdrawn the money,it was meticulously arranged in a briefcase." Thank you very much",He thanked the cashier and walked out of the bank. " I can't believe we're paying criminals five million naira. I still wonder why we can't go to the policemen, this is very risky and a waste of money." Folake complained bitterly as Bode got into the car. "Any call from them yet?" Bode asked, ignoring her. Folake continued "Bode,why can't you just listen to me? Let's call the policemen, this is a waste of money, Toni needs thi...","Is this about the money for your son's fees or your daughter's life? Which one should matter to you right now? Folake,I'm confused! Don't you love Peju? Really,what's the difference between you and your mother?" Bode resorted sharply. Folake was dumbfounded, Mrs Adegbesan was ashamed,Akani pretended to listen to the radio and Uncle Thomas wanted to laugh terribly,but he knew the atmosphere was too serious for mockery. Everywhere was dead silent. "I just want Peju safe,even if it would cost me all I have." ,Bode said softly and Jasmine's phone rang almost immediately. Bode picked,it was Baba Comrade. He directed him to the venue he would drop the money and get Peju. He dropped the call warning Bode to come alone and not to involve the police."Okay,just don't touch her. We're on our way.",the line went off."They have given us the venue to drop the money, we'd have to go. Akani you know Simpson street,right? Please take us there.",Bode told Akani. Akani nodded,while Folake folded her arms; "Yes,you're the boss",she whispered loud enough for Bode to hear. Bode ignored her, Mrs Adegbesan was mute and still ashamed, while uncle Thomas was enjoying the drama as Akani ignited the car.
It was 3:47 and still no news about Peju or the fivesome that went for her. The suspense was too disturbing, even children were quiet. Jasmine had her eyes closed, shivering out of fear. Ten thousand thoughts swam in and out of her head about Peju,and they all weren't nice." I think we should pray",Jasmine suggested. Toni nodded and Bose rushed to get a scarf. The trio held hands to pray,Amaka joined the circle, followed by Mrs Okeke, other aunties,soon everyone in the house,joined the circle as they prayed for Peju in Jesus' name.
