“I met him when I was 17 years old and on the lowest rung of all civilized existence, if you know what I mean?” she laughed lightly.  “Yeah,” he nodded encouragingly. “I was poor, homeless, orphaned, broke and hopeless with no future or past to lean on. I was sitting, as usual, at Charlie’s bar waiting for customers when he walked in. He wore a gleaming white Agbada with matching shoes and cap. He was a most extraordinary sight and looked prime, proper, classy and rich. All eyes turned on him, but when he spotted me, he invited me to have a drink with him. We ended up in his hotel room at Hotel de Royal. The combination of money, class, and personality proved a lethal temptation for me,” she laughed nervously.  He nodded. “I can relate.” “With time I became his handbag. From there, he introduced me to the world of drugs, blackmail, murder and outrageous business practices.” “You’ve certainly bitten off more than you can chew.” Her eyes clouded. “I know. That’s why I don’t want you to get involved with him. Nothing good can ever come from him.” “Don’t worry your little head about me” he ran his hand through her hair. “I know how to take care of myself, okay?” he assured her. She consulted her wristwatch and stood up.”I have to go now. I have an appointment by 2 pm.” “Thank you for making out time to see me. Can we get together soon again? Say, maybe Saturday?” “Saturday? Am I sure am free on Saturday? Okay, no problem.” As they pulled out from the parking lot, he noticed the blue Mercedes Benz pulling out too, but he dismissed it as mere coincidence. But his instinct got the better of him when he noticed the car still following them at a considerable distance after they hit the highway.  Chi noticed the car at that moment too. And her eyeballs grew large. “Do you think we have picked up tails?”  “Tails?” he asked nonchalantly. “Why would anyone follow us?”  “There is nothing Captain can’t do. He is a professional blackmailer,” she said, her voice trembling. “Do you mean he might try to blackmail me?” “You can’t rule that out.”  Cold sweat broke out all over him. He’ll be sunk if they’d been photographed together. Without thinking, he stepped on the brakes and brought the car to an abrupt stop on the sidewalk. The Mercedes, completely taken unawares, swept past.  Only two men were in the car. The driver was short and thickset with an aggressive jaw. His big nose made him look like something out of a Nollywood movie. His mate was exactly the opposite, tall and gaunt. The black glasses he wore looked out of place in his small, thin face and his tight fitting shirt made him look hungrier than he really was. “Oh my God!” she cried in contrition. “That’s Akeem and Akpan.” His eye balls popped out. “Do you know them?” “Yes. They are…they are Captain’s boys.” “Captain’s boys? Do you think he is tailing us? Why?” “He is always tailing me,” she cried in a terror, stricken voice. He looked at her hard. “He is blackmailing you?” “What’s the point? Even If I say yes, you can’t stop him.” “Why can’t you get help?” “Help? Don’t fool yourself. Men in his position always have police protection. In fact, he works hand in glove with the Police Commissioner, Fred Ariba. His power, reach, and wealth are immeasurable.” He scratched his hair. It was then that it occurred to him that he had bitten off more than he could chew.
***
Emilia jumped into her underwears. “I must leave now.” Captain looked at the time and frowned. “Stay a little more. I don’t know why you are always in a hurry to go home.” “Haba Captain, but you know I have a husband. He will soon be home.” “Husband my foot. I don’t know what you have seen in that good for nothing man that can’t even take adequate care of you.” “He is my husband.” “You deserve more than that. Come stay with me.” “But you know I can’t.” “Why?” “I thought we have been through that before?” she ran the comb through her hair. “I cannot marry you unless you divorce your wife.” “You know I can’t do that. She is the mother of my children.” “Then, forget it.” “Look, Emilia, I must put the children into consideration. Besides, I …I …,” he faded off. “Besides what?” she glared at him. “You prefer her to me? Isn’t that what you wanted to say?” “Come here,” he reached out and pulled her into his arms. “What will it cost to make you change your mind? Will 20 million naira do?” She shook her head. “Forget it.” “Okay, 30 million?” “Oh Captain, you are not serious.” “Okay, I’ll make it 50.” “I…I,” she stammered. Without another word, he picked up his phone and transferred 30 million naira to her account immediately.