Jamal Benson
Jamal Benson has two great loves: cooking and music. Well, three if you add his indulgence in smoking Ice. He is the proud owner of the prestigious Jay-Bee chain of hotels scattered across the country, but whenever he is in town, he prefers staying at the branch on Lagos Island, in Lekki. Here, in the restaurant kitchen, is where Jamal truly comes alive as he makes the special for each day.
It is just 5am in the morning but guests are already coming down to check if breakfast is ready. The kitchen is bustling with activities as the kitchen staff moves around, taking care of their individual chores. The aroma is rising, tantalizing the nose and making the mouth water with anticipation. He loves the smell of the kitchen.
However, as his long fingers move with the speed of lighting ,slicing and dicing vegetables while the kitchen assistant, Chetachi, washes the pots and boils the goat meats, the peace he is accustomed to finding in the kitchen eludes him. There is an itch between his shoulder blades as if danger lurks around the corner. He didn't care for such feelings, it annoys and worries him at the same time.
What could be wrong? His business is doing well and he has delivered on his last business deal.
"Boss, your phone is ringing." Chetachi's voice intrudes on his thoughts, holding out his phone in reference.
"Thank you,Cheta." There is a smile on his face as he turns to face her and his blood runs cold on seeing the caller ID. He drops the knife, washes his hand and sheds the apron before collecting the phone from her. "Please call Hassan to come and take over, I won't be able to finish preparing my speciality this morning." Hassan is the head Chef.
"That is a pity sir. The guests are looking forward to your meal today." Chatachi blushes, curtseying as he makes his way out of the kitchen.
"It is." He winks at her but his mind is already on his ringing phone. There is fire on the mountain. He doesn't notice the look of lust and longing on her face as she stares at his retreating backside.
/\/\/\/\/\
"Edafe." Jamal's voice is neutral and detached as he stares out of the window from his suite, located on the 6th floor of the imposing hotel building. It overlooks the Lagos island waterfront.
"Where is Boss's loaves of bread? It should be here by now." Edafe is the representative of the Odaku militant group, led by the ruthless warlord, Abdullah.
His heart misses a bit. The crates of arms with its ammunition has been sent out since last week and by his estimation, it should have gotten to its destination by now. Abdullah is a deadly client who has no respect for life or properties and crossing him is not on Jamal's agenda. He has paid for the products and should have gotten them by now.
"They have been sent out since last week. You should have gotten them by now." Jamal's voice is calm, but his palm is becoming sweaty. If Edafe is speaking the truth, then something has gone terribly wrong.
"Ehn?" The word is loaded, sending shivers of terror down Jamal's spine. "It is not here. Oga is getting angry and you know what happens when he does."
Yes he does. The only time he was unfortunate to meet Abdullah in person for a business deal in his mansion in Abuja, the memory of what happened in his presence left him traumatic for weeks after his return. One of Abdullah's boys had betrayed him and was caught, the Culprit's wife who was heavily pregnant then, was brought to the middle of the room, stripped naked and her stomach was sliced open right there and then.
"Give me two days. I will get it over to you."
"I am giving you 24 hours, Jamal. If the loaves of bread are not here…"
"It will be there."
Several moments after the phone call ends, Jamal is still standing at the window, trying to even his breath. He should have followed his instinct and put a stop to his arm dealing business after that unfortunate transaction that nearly cost him his life. Unfortunately, Abdullah is not the kind of client he could say No to. The alternative is too grave to consider but now someone has put him in the exact spot he has been avoiding and whoever the person is will pay dearly for it.
/\/\/\/\/\
James Aleshinloye
"Hey, Man. Look at what the cat drags in." James smiles, beckoning to Jamal to join him by the poolside where one of his girls, Julia, is rendering manicure and pedicure services to him. When she is done, she is also going to serve him in bed, on her back. It pleases him to have these nubile young girls at his beck and call.
"Good evening James. "Jamal inclines his head in curtsey but refuses to sit down.
"Come on, Jamal. Have a seat and let my girls serve you. " James gestures to the second Chaise lounge but Jamal only smiles and thanks him. He sighs. He always sees himself in the younger man, ambitious, hungry for power, confident and a go-getter but Jamal always proves too uptight for his liking sometimes. He met Jamal at a business conference in Abuja, about five years ago and knows he is the kind of person he would like to partner with. Unfortunately, Jamal has the kind of loyalty and integrity that is not necessary in their line of business. As far as business is concerned, the highest bidder carries the product, irrespective of their initial agreement. That is James's mantra.
"I have an important issue to discuss with you urgently please , James, if you will spare me a minute of your time. " His smile is polite.
"Please give me a few minutes to be done here. I will join you in the study." Jamal turns on his heel and leaves.
"This is fine, Julia. I will call you as soon as I am done with my visitor." The girl nods shyly, pat his fingers dry and get to her feet. He smacks her bum with a lascivious grin, noting her slight wince. He then gets to his feet and heads towards the main building. He is looking forward to spending quality time between her shapely laps later in the night.
His bodyguard, Cameron, moves to follow quietly behind and his presence almost always gives him a sense of security. It is time for business.