It has been three hundred and forty-five days, four hours, six minutes and probably thirty seconds since the pang of loss hovered over Lechi's house. That day, the world practically stood still for Lechi. No word could be ascribed to the form of agony that he experienced. The earth spun round him until he crumbled and blanked out. His father had been cruelly murdered by an unknown force, the media covered. His father was a missionary sent to Sebia village infamous for incessant disappearance of religious leaders. Mr. Kolo, Lechi's father was warned. His wife dissuaded him but he paid a deaf hear. His son, Lechi, freshly graduated from the university of Lagos and an aspiring intelligence reporter pleaded with him. The gospel must be heard in all corners of the world and light shines brightest in the darkest night, he always reminded them. He explained to his wife that he had to suffer persecution to be called a missionary. His resolution was a surprise to many and at dawn on the 26th day of February, 2022, he left for Sebia and returned to Lagos in a coffin, his body totally multilated. Lechi began the count that day his father kicked the bucket and today it was about 346 days gone. Their house had changed after the death of their father. The huge Bible that was on his huge mahogany desk were all gone. They were priceless to Mr Kolo. He called them; the path to brilliance. The religious stickers and shirts, even gifts were either shredded, torn or scattered all over. Lechi locked himself up in that study for three days and wrecked the room. To him, the similitude of God should be totally eradicated. He became isolated, lost and embittered. Mrs. Renala tried to make him snap out of it but the rock refused to absorb the water. God was his greatest enemy; Lechi once said and banged the door when his mom wanted to speak to him. She couldn't do much, he was an only child and the apple of her eye. This morning, Lechi left for work. He was working with the Oriental newspapers, Yaba, Lagos. He was living his dream life but the scar remained deep. There was no self fulfillment within him. He walked briskly, stomping hand on the iron stairs that spun like the DNA strand to the director's office. He had a nice concept ringing in his mind. He greeted no one, as he walked to the office.
"Good morning, sir," he greeted when he opened the door. The director had his legs on the table. He was rocking softly on the swivel chair. The room was heavily air-conditioned and a stacked pile of newspapers was on the table.
"Any scoop, any information" Brian, the director asked, lifting his thick eyebrows. He was in his late forties.
"Not really a scoop sir" Lechi replied
"Then what is it?" he said scoffingly
"If you would listen to me, Sir, I will give you a detailed explanation of this mission"
"What mission? I need scoop" he grunted and dropped his eye glass on the table. Next, he rose up and went to his shelves.
All Lechi could feel at this point was resentment. Anger boiled in his heart that he felt he could explode. He clasped his fingers and fingered his nose at intervals.
"I am all ears" Brian finally said. His maturing pot-belly seemed to dance to his speech. He sat and fixed a gaze on Lechi.
"Sir, I want to unravel the mystery behind the continuous disappearance of missionaries in Sebia Village. You know that village has been making headlines and if I am sent as an intelligence reporter, I am optimistic I will resolve the puzzle. It will be a huge boost to this enterprise sir. Isn't it?
The sneer on Brian's face degenerated to a hilarious guffaw. He tucked in his shirt that had bulged out at his laughter. Drops of tears were on his cheeks.
"Don't mind me" he choked with laughter "don't mind me, but it's quite unnecessary"
"How sir?" Lechi queried
"Why stress yourself over spiritual things. The spiritual forces in that village doesn't want the override of missionaries. So, what are you going to investigate?"
"Do you believe it is something spiritual Sir?" Lechi asked with disgust written all over his face. He felt like spitting on the manager.
"Why won't I believe?" he spread his arms and swerved on the chair.
"Sir, there's no such thing as spiritual forces" he blurted
"How do you mean?" Brian asked.
"There's no God" he exhaled sharply
"Ah, now I see! You are an atheist, living in fool's paradise, right? Listen, young man, believe it or not, the spiritual exists".
Lechi sealed his mouth shut. He didn't want to bicker over salient issues with a worthless man. All he wanted was to be mobilized.
"Sir" he spoke up "please trust me, I will not disappoint you. Allow me to do this and I promise, I will come back with results"
"Hmm, I don't want you to die, Lechi" Brian said
"I won't, just trust me sir, please!!"
"Okay you can" He succumbed
"Thank you so much sir" Lechi appreciated. His first step toward achieving his goal had been taken. Now he had twenty days to the one – year death anniversary of his father. He wants to bring a gift to him. The gift of unravelling his murderers.