STARTLED

EPISODE FIVE

MR X.

The boys had not yet returned. He sat on his executive chair, swivelling as he waited patiently for them. He had given them till 9 p.m to report, it was 8 : 30pm. He could exercise patience. However, if they didn't show up at the said time, they knew they were in for it.

Time mattered in this line of business. Everything they did and said fell within a said time. It was sacred and they knew  better than to waste it.

He picked the wine glass on his table, there was still a little wine in it. He gulped it down. He looked out of his office through the glass frames that served as walls to the magnificent office. The city was quiet and peaceful. Cars passed leisurely on the road. The streets lights were on. Lagos was beautiful, well... this part of Lagos. They did not get to experience black outs like other parts of Lagos. It was for the high and mighty. Living in a place like Lekki had been his dream since he found out a place like that existed in Lagos and he had made that dream a reality. Not only did he live here, he had a lot of investments in the place.

He closed his eyes and leaned back on his chair. He went back to those days. Days he had struggled to eat, clothe,days he had no one but himself. He remembered making a promise to himself to succeed. He smiled now. He had kept that promise.

His attention drifted to the presenter on tv.

"...he seems to be doing well so far but will President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan be able to carry the burden of this country? There have been so many concerns especially with regards to the terrorism that has recently plagued this beloved country of ours. It has really become a serious issue..."

His phone rang.

The guys were obviously here.

He looked at his watch, 8:57. Well...they were still early.

He picked the call, " Yes, you guys can come in"

They were in his office in less than five seconds.

" You guys are late"

'We are very sorry Sir. We had a problem with the car."

He stood from his chair, the office was so dark. They couldn't see him but he could see them. It was better that way.

"So...?"

" Her son is in the hospital now. She didn't leave the state  anymore. "

"I hope you didn't kill the boy"

" No sir. We were very careful."

He sat back. That was the most important thing, the boy was fine.

"How about the Detective?"

"We took care of him Sir. Our guys in the police force handled him. He won't cause any trouble

Whatsoever ".

"Good. The man? Lanre? "

" He's being moved to the given location ".

" That's alright. You can leave now but don't go far and let me know once he arrives".

"Yes Sir".

He watched the three of them leave the office.

This was good .Now , all he had to do was to report to Him. He had told him to send in a report by midnight. He packed up and headed for the garage. He would send the report once he got home, showered and ate.

Mr X would be pleased to hear everything he had to tell him.