What? Are you the James I am looking for?
And why would you assume that? there are many James here in this neighbourhood.
What are the chances that the first name I got from this neighbourhood is James?
You know, this place protect their own especially from the police and reporters like yourself, if you are looking for James, everyone becomes James. That way it is impossible for you to find him.
So what's your real name?
I just told you, it's up to you to believe me or not.
Oh, I see, huh.., are you going to help me find my guy?
First, I don't want to know the name of who sent you but, just in case things get ugly, I would like to know this person discretion.
And how would that help you?
Do you want my help or not?
Sure, she has a dark skin tone, about five feet tall or more, she must be around are mid-forties but she appears a lot younger than she looks, and she likes to joke but at the same time she means every word. She is a funny but bitter woman but she is beautiful for her age. Is that enough?
Not the type of discretion I meant but yes, that's enough.
First, how do we get out of here? she asked.
The same way we came in.
But you said...
It doesn't matter what I said or who's following you, they wouldn't dare as long as you are with me.
Are you their boss?
For a reporter you ask a lot of direct questions, you are not a good reporter from what I've observed.
True, but I happen to be very lucky and in this job, sad to say for many, luck is what you need to survive or succeed.
The only word I can agree with since you've been speaking.
So you don't trust me still? she asked.
Of course not, it's not personal, trust no one here not even me.
If I am not to trust you, then every single word you've told me could be a lie?
Yes, but I know you are not stupid enough to take the risk judging from the look of the neighbourhood.
No, can we go? it's very late.
Sure, where are you staying? I asked.
I don't think I should answer that question.
Good, you are learning, but a word of advice, if you are lodged in a nearby small hotel thinking to blend in, don't sleep there, people must be looking for you.
And why would I trust you?
I know by now you are scared of me despite you trying to be tough. There are a lot of James here in these parts and many of them are criminals, they would like to know why you are looking for them. Small hotels can't really protect you if they come. This word you can trust. let's go, talk straight to the door and don't look at the face of anyone too long.
She got up slowly as did I, we walked straight to the door and as expected, no body dared to stop me. This bar is at the end of my street and it is a boundary for but gangs, a neutral ground. if they attack I could be killed but there will follow an endless blood spill after. The last time there was a fight between both gangs, over a hundred guys died from each side and it lasted for over a year. I walked her to where she parked her car, at least she is not that stupid to not bring a car. We exchanged contacts and she entered her car, I watched are speed off into the dark road and after I went straight home.
The spread of information is one of the reasons why this place is dangerous but sometimes, it helps. I received a text from a friend of mine in the next street that someone was looking for me and that was one of the reasons I went to that bar. I know for a fact that this reporter is not just anyone, she must be someone close to Grace or the family but the fact she sent her here lead me to believe Grace want her dead but could not do it herself, she wants me to do it. Everything is a game to her.
My phone has been ringing for some time now so I decided to pick.
Hello brother.
I had a feeling it was you, Grace, it's very late, don't you sleep, and how did you get this number?
The wicked never sleep, for some reason, I believe you are not asleep as well. Someone very close gave me your contact.
Now you assume I'm also a wicked soul like yourself.
When are you coming back? she asked.
You shouldn't ask, your spy must have told you.
Oh, you mean Sandra, she's not a threat unless she discovers something she is not supposed to know.
you know that is her job, right?
Well yes, she is interested in you so now she is your problem.
Who is she?
Her family and the Osimhen's are very close when father was alive, she is a very close friend of Joyce.
What I want to know is why you sent her my way instead of dealing with her like you normally do?
Well.., you see, she is not just anyone plus the entire family is on my tail. I know you must be having a hard time choosing between both worlds but I know there is nothing big enough to be holding you there.
I know you didn't call just to check up on me, what is the reason?
Alright, there are few information I would like to run by you but, you would have to be here.
And?
There is a board meeting coming up by next week, since you have majority of the chairs we would need your support.
Wow, it's we now? who have you recruited this time?
There are a few developments since you left, Trust is on our side now.
Alright, let me be straight, what do I do with Sandra?
Do whatever you do best.
According to what you think of me, what is that?
To be honest, I don't know for sure, but I do know she wants information and she has a lot of information from many places. if you can extract information from her then she is useful.
And if I can't?
That is not an option James, if you can't then you know what must be done, we can't have a snake close to our legs, she's either useful or useless, her fate is in your hands now. When you get to Asaba, you know where to find me.
Alright, I will do what I do best. She hung up.
Another day has begun and yet I can't feel time moving forward. It appears a killer will always kill, rich or poor. At least being rich provides another way of getting to your goals without raising a hand. Today the sun raised early than usual as I look out from my window. The dry season is coming to its end, soon there will be water everywhere, this place is at its worst in the rainy season, the smell of shit in the air intensifies. But as they say, there is beauty in everything, most of the time we focus on the bad things. The reason this place is hard to leave for many is because it's free, lawless and this is one of the greatest flaws but why this place is so amazing. If a man is lawless he lacks respect for many things and that, in turn, makes his world very small, the fear to leave his comfort zone is crippling. In this case, I am that man.
Again my phone was ringing, it was Sandra.
Hello, good morning I said.
The morning is not good.
What happened?
I was attacked last night.
That is not a surprise, I did warn you not to sleep in the neighbourhood. Are you alright?
Yes, but the other guy is not doing so well.
What did you do?
I shot him, I swear I didn't mean to.
So you have a gun? how did you get a gun?
Well..., you see, I bought it when I first got here.
From who... jeez, never mind. is the guy dead?
I don't think so, he is currently being rushed to the hospital. But the injury is bad, very bad.
Where are you now?
I am still at the hotel.
Get out of there now, how many of them came to attack you?
I only saw two, they break down the door of my room. they could be more outside but they all ran when they heard the gunshot.
It's just a matter of time, they will come back and when they do they will not be there to ask questions. Get out of there now, I will handle it. Did you call the police?
No, she said.
Good, meet me at the bar, when you get there do not step out of your car if you don't see me.
Okay, I am leaving.