There were several other cases where informants from the inside had tried to stop their mission, this was not the first but he was not sure if it would be the last too. Informants find their way around too easily. Farouk lifted the brief case from the table beside the explosive; he took a second look at the timer taped to the C4, it showed 00:50. He stepped out of the building in Road C, block 12 World Bank Housing Estate and walked towards the black Camry 2002 model parked by the corner of the building. He made sure that he wasn't too fast or too slow just like a grand-master in the affairs of diversion and destruction.
He got into the car and drove towards Health center road where he would connect with Ikot Ekpene road. He checked his watch it was 4:34pm in about 10 Seconds Abia would know he was here.
"Brother, peace be unto you." Razak voice was firm and in control from the other end of the radio.
"And also to you, my Brother." Farouk answered his nephew with admiration. He seemed to be in control of the situation. "Don't wait till the fireworks, Razak. Clear the area." Farouk ordered his nephew.
"Be safe, brother."
"Stop bawling like a toddler, Razak. This whole operation must succeed, put the goodbyes and pleasantries aside and focus on the ultimate goal."
"Yes brother." Razak felt ashamed but as he was instructed he quickly put it aside. He cannot afford to be put down like some kid; this is his test to be a true leader, a true soldier and he would not allow any discouragement.
"Are the Brothers ready for the second phase?"
"Yes they are prepared. We are clearing up now, in minutes we will set of the second fireworks, disappear then reappear to collect the blue print"
"No mistakes." He disconnected the transmission and turned on the car radio to distract the million thoughts running through his head.
He knew his mission here in Umuahia the state capital of Abia would cause an earthquake among the intelligence body. They have always wanted to catch him for many reasons they believe is contrary to the laws governing the people, but what about the ultimate laws that they as brother in the same cause have put down for themselves? Everything he has done has been in accordance with his pursuit. The government left his part of the country to decay denied them basic amenities and yet they would demand tax and loyalty from them as part of the country. He had sworn an oath to be the keeper and guardian of his people; he will not go back on that word.
Umuahia had been a place of interest to him, not because of her high level of industrialization, but the military history she carried in her bowels. The bunkers he was trying to mastermind is the exact replica of what he had seen in the famous Ojukwu Bunker. He had visited the bunker as many times as possible and each time he was there he gave the War Veteran a Generals salute. Everything was perfect, the entrance, the exit, the hidden exits and most of all the safety of anything in it. He has no need of seeing this place again because the sect has concluded the construction of every bunker but he need the last rudiment, this time not the bunkers but the placement of the surface buildings. Ojukwu did not just build around the bunker but he made the place impenetrate able, solidly defensive and majorly protected. That's what he is here for, he looked at his watch again, four Seconds more and Abians would know The Ghost passed through.
"All unit, I see Abdul Farouk, I repeat he just stepped into the Camry, do you copy?"
"This is Zee 302; I read you loud and clear."
"Zee 202, loud and clear." The two units responded as they rolled into action.
"I will tag behind him, he must be followed carefully." As O' Brien concluded and was about to replace the receiver the blast from the timed explosive inside the building Farouk just left sent glasses across the streets and everywhere. Before their eyes the building they had been watching went up in a haze of smoke and fire.
"Shit, what just happened?" O'Brien was asking nobody in particular as he grabbed the back door of the van and made for Sam's car which was parked across the road as Sam came running after him. He punched in a number on his cell phone.
"There has been an explosion in block 18 road 'B' World Bank Housing Estate, we request an ambulance immediately and there could be civilians in the building."
"Copy that, stay on the subject ambulance is on the way." "Do not lose The Ghost."
He was not planning to do that anyway, if The Ghost thinks he would disappear as usual then he must be high on marijuana.
"Zee 302, confirm your visual on the subject, over?" O'Brien requested.
"Positive, we see him, over"
"Make sure he does not act The Ghost, don't let him disappear. Break off at Aba road by Ikot Ekpene road we will take over from there, over."
"Roger that, Zee 302 will break off at your count Zee 402."
O'Brien threw the receiver on the dash board.
"I will take the wheels Sam, jump to the back fast." Sam was relieved at the suggestion as he leaped to the back while O'Brien took the wheels and made a U turn.
"You are going in the opposite direction, OB"
"I know an old route, fasten your belt."
He turned into Road 2 and throttled to the board. At the end of Road2 he turned right crossed the drainage bridge just after Methodist Church Junction and drove straight towards Aba Road. When he got to the 'T' junction directly facing Golden Guinea Breweries on Aba Road he turned right and drove passed Penco Nig Limited on the left and just ahead was The Federal Medical Center Umuahia (FMCU) and further was the entrance to Ikot Ekpene Road. He reached for the radio again.
"Zee 202, what is The Ghost's location?
"We are right behind him, rolling down the hill towards Ibeku High School. We didn't get your count so we stayed with him."
"You did well Zee 202, stay with him, we are racing towards your location from Aba Road."
"Repeat your position, Zee 402?"
"Federal Medical Center, Aba Road, over."
"What! Did you fly?"
"That is secondary, Zee 202. Focus on the subject, out."
It stunned him that O'Brien could be where he said he was in less than 7mins. But, like he was told to do, he kept his eye on the primary matter, as they rolled down the hill on Ikot Ekpene road saying nothing to his partner who kept his eye on the Camry without blinking.