Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Two months into the New Year, Donald Kados was released from the prison. It was so sudden that even Queen was taken unawares. It was seven o’clock on that Wednesday morning when Donald rang the bell of Queen’s flat. At first there was no reply, so he pressed the bell once more. Perhaps Queen is still sleeping after a hard night he thought. Just when he wanted to press the bell again a faint sweet voice called out, “who’s there?” “it’s me, Queen,” Donald replied with a low voice. “Sweet Madonna!”, Queen exclaimed with a hoarse voice. “Open the door Imara, it’s my hubby”. Imara obeyed and opened only to be confronted with a big fat man with wide shoulders, an enormous belly and a thin straggly moustache that wondered over his upper lip. His hand was long at the sides, which gave him an odd sort of appearance, Imara thought. Two hard, dark eyes now surveyed her in a very hostile manner. “Make way, Imara,” Queen called out to her.” Meet Donald, he’s my hubby. I told you about him didn’t l?” Queen asked.

” Yes you did” Imara replied as she stepped away from the entrance. “Welcome sir,” Imara greeted as Donald breezed in and went straight to his wife. They hugged each other tightly and dragged themselves into the room half naked. For the rest of the day Imara did not see Queen, due to the fact that her husband kept her busy in the bedroom, apparently to catch up on all those years he had been in prison. No problem Thounder will soon visit and l shall have a good time too, Imara consoled herself. Two weeks after Donald’s release from prison, Queen had a very serious discussion with Imara. “Imara luv,” Queen called out gently. “Yes, Queen l hope there is no problem. You don’t look bright,” she said with trepidation. “Well, it’s no big problem. It’s just that my hubby and l are relocating,” Queen replied. “Relocating? to where? Imara fired question after question. Queen smiled and motioned to Imara to calm down and let her finish…” As l was saying, we’re going to Madira, but don’t worry when we settle l shall write to you,” Queen consoled. “No, please don’t leave me, l can’t live without you,” Imara pleaded amidst tears. “Oh come – on, Imara stop that nonsense by now you should have grown up and stop wailing like a child,” Queen shouted angrily. “But - “ Imara stammered. “Don’t but me,” Queen interrupted. “Just listen, my hubby is too popular in this country, all his moves are monitored. He cannot operate freely.” Queen paused.” So he wants us to move to Madira, he has a lot of money stashed in his bank account from his last operation the very operation that sent him to jail. We’re also putting this hostel up for sale…” Queen continued talking while Imara just kept quiet and listened as earlier instructed. “So what about me, where do l go from here?” Imara asked with a trembling voice. “Don’t worry that’s taken care of already,” Queen replied. “How,” Imara wondered aloud. “My husband wanted to sell at one million naira, but l pleaded with him to let you have the house for half a million and he agreed but plus my car and saloon makes it six hundred and fifty thousand bucks.” “It’s a lot of money where do l get that in such short time?” Imara interrupted. “Just listen. It’s now left for you to meet up within two years. You’re to pay into an account l’ll give you later. But if you can’t meet up then sell the property for one and half million naira and remit eighty percent of the money into the account while you take twenty percent of the proceeds.” Queen paused to ensure Imara had digested their discussion. “Do you get all that l’ve said?” she asked. “I did, but my problem is how to raise money for myself,” Imara replied. “You’re not a baby any more. So you should use your head and brains, think or talk to your men,” Queen replied bluntly.

“Besides the Ocean is very vast with many big fishes in it, make the bait attractive and the big fishes will bite. As for parties anywhere in the country l’ll introduce you to my guy Makzi, he gets the invitation for me, and when you come back you will settle him he has his price, baby think out of the box like they say” Queen concluded. Imara was still dazed by the whole story but then it meant freedom from many things so she had better brace up to face life without Queen. “So when are you leaving?” Imara inquired. “Friday morning,” Queen replied. “Oh Queen, l’ll really miss you, but we shall keep in touch, Imara concluded hugging her friend firmly. On Friday morning, Imara woke up very early to assist her friend in parking. Before their departure, Queen handed all necessary papers concerning the house, the land and her car to Imara. “Take good care of yourself and keep me posted on your progress,” Queen said with feelings. “I love you, Queen,” Imara replied hugging her friend. Idara and fat Bukky could not stay away, thus as Queen prepared to depart they came into Queen’s flat with tears on their faces. “Oh Queen, we’ll really miss you,” fat Bukki commented. “Don’t worry, we’ll look after Imara,” Idara promised as Queen and Donald waved their goodbyes. “Keep in touch,” Idara shouted as the car sped off before disappearing from their view.

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Shortly after watching Queen and Donald drive off, Imara was now alone in the flat she once shared with Queen. With a deep sigh of satisfaction, Imara stretched her long spotless legs on the sofa not believing what had just happened to her she surveyed the apartment, all for her, she thought. But she was sad and lonely. But how do l raise six hundred and fifty thousand? She wondered while deep in thoughts Imara slept off. A couple of days later, her loneliness was getting worse, Idara and Bukki could not provide the warmth that she had known when Queen was around. If only Thounder would drop by like he promised, she thought. But Thounder had refused to visit and he had not even bothered to call her. I knew he would do this, they are all the same, she observed bitterly. Suddenly the door bell rang. “Who’s there?” Imara asked. “Idara are you the person – “But Thounder didn’t let her finish. “Imara open up it’s Thounder.” “Impossible! I can’t believe this,” Imara said as she rushed to open the door and straight away Imara flew into his arms. “What a pleasant surprise, l’m really glad to see you,” she said. “So l’m l,” he replied smiling. You naughty boy what took you so long? “Imara asked pretending to be crossed with him. “Sweetheart! Pardon me l had a pressing job to tackle to enable me raise the cash that we’ll spend together,” he replied. “Which is good because l could do with a good meal,” Imara said. But in her mind, the house was uppermost. At the right time l will bring that up, she thought to herself. “Imara my darling you’re really looking good,” Thounder complimented planting a big wet kiss on her lips. That evening they dined at Pelga’s and memories of the good old days with Tony came back again. “Did you enjoy the meal?” Imara asked suddenly. “Are you kidding? I’ve not had a delicious meal like this for a long time,” Thounder answered. Together they drove back after resting and settling the bill.” By the way, where’s Queen. I did not see her when l came,” Thounder inquired. Imara was silent for awhile. “Darling is there anything wrong?” he probed. “Far from it Queen has travelled out of the country, l’ll give you all the details very soon.” Thounder didn’t probe any further. “I’ll be here for awhile,” he began. “Just to spend some time with you and take a rest from the bustle and hustle of carrying out assignments in Douala and Cape coast. “I’m really lonely, so you’re highly welcome to stay as long as you want to,” Imara replied. After spending a whole week together Imara brought up the issue of the house. “I thought as much.” Thounder said smiling, Imara also smiled. “I knew something was missing in your story – so where did Queen go?” There and then Imara narrated all that had happened to Queen with the release of her husband from jail.

“So she sold the house to you for how much?” Thounder asked. “If l’m buying it, the house plus the car and the saloon was put at six hundred and fifty thousand bucks but if l can’t afford the money l could sell it for one and half million naira pay eighty percent into her account and keep twenty percent.” Thounder was silent for awhile, “you’re not saying anything” Imara prodded. “You don’t have to sell it because you’re buying it for both of us,” Thounder informed her. “Really? Oh that’s very nice,” Imara said with excitement as she showered Thounder with kisses of appreciation. “We’ll work out how the payment will be made. But listen no more prostitution okay? L can’t bear my woman under another man, l’ll provide all that you need,” Thounder assured her. Imara just kept silent, “sweetheart l mean all that l’ve said and any hint that you’re seeing some one behind my back l swear l’ll strangle you myself,” Thounder vowed. “That won’t be necessary because l won’t cheat on you. Just trust me, you’re the answer to my prayers,” Imara replied.

After many days and nights of savouring the sizzling delights of Canaan city coupled with wonderful nights in bed, Thounder informed Imara that he was going to Cape coast for a business deal. “It’s important that l go,” he insisted. “If not l’ll miss out in the deal.” “What business? Don’t allow these corrupt politicians toss you like a rag doll,” Imara warned. “Sweetheart no, you’re wrong Imara,” Thounder said in an attempt to defend himself. “I earn my living working for these politicians; he who pays the piper dictates the tune.” Imara smiled as she pushed back a lock of hair from her forehead and planted a soft kiss on his lips. For some reason she was feeling good this morning. “It’s nice to have a business you can always go back to,” she said sarcastically. “It’s a luxury l’ve never had.” Thounder looked down at her with a gentle expression on his face. “I’m a real hustler, Imara,” he said. “But l make a good living with plenty to take care of you. Please give me that chance to take care of you,” Thounder pleaded. Imara opted to keep quiet. “I’m serious sweetheart” he continued “give me the opportunity, Imara don’t let me lose you, like l said l’ll buy this house and take care of you and that means no more roaming the streets”. “You’re kidding me,” Imara replied. “Now you’re about to leave, when shall l see you again? Or l may never see you again.” Thounder’s big hands grabbed her shoulders so hard forcing her to react. “You’re hurting me,” she said. “I’ll do more than this if l catch you on the streets,” he threatened. “It’s not every time that l fall in love with a fresh faced beauty like you, so play safe, be mine. Be mine and never, never let me down.” Imara had never had so much fun and excitement as she did for those first four months as Thounder’s lover. It made the time spent with Tony look like child’s play. There was the thrill in her blood whenever he arrived at the flat bringing lovely presents for her – real diamond rings for her fingers, bangles and beads for her wrist and gold rings for her ears. Imara was no longer a burden to be tossed about from one orphanage to another. Under his protection and care, Imara blossomed into womanhood like an avocado tree in season. She felt comfortable and happy, and had a sense of security at last more so with Captain Buba still out of touch. She no longer ran away from the police patrol teams. There were elegant clothes in the wardrobe and smart shoes in the cupboard. All these provided by Thounder. “Look here, sweetheart,” Thounder would say. “I want you to always look good and smell nice and never look up to any man for anything.” Imara smiled sweetly at him, “l won’t” she promised. He was her man; she really and truly loved him. And it was mutual; no one would separate them – not even his mysterious business trips to Douala and Cape city. Imara obeyed him totally; she cooked his meals, did his laundry and at nights warmed his bed. Imara found supreme happiness in taking care of Thounder’s needs and why? Was this not what she had prayed for? She thought. Under his care, Imara improved tremendously, she adopted a warm expression and became more soft, alluring and very sexy. She always took good care of her appearance.

When she and Thounder went out together at night – either to Pelga’s or on a drinking spree, - Thounder showed to all who cared to look that he was proud of his woman and Imara too was proud and happy to have him in her life.

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During Imara’s second month of living in Queen’s flat, she received a call from her best friend now residing in Madira. “Oh Queen how beautiful to hear your voice once more,” Imara exclaimed. “I’m happy to hear yours too,” Queen replied on the phone. They chatted on with Queen asking after Idara, fat Bukky and Thounder. Imara in turn replied appropriately to all the questions…” l hope you’re having a swell time in Brass city?” Queen inquired. Imara laughed. “Initially it was very lonely but Thounder’s arrival has changed the situation completely”. “Ah that’s good,” Queen commented.” I’m glad to hear Thounder’s keeping you company.” While the discussion was still on, Imara informed Queen about her property. “Yes! how far have you gotten a buyer yet,” Queen asked. “Yes Thounder and l are buying it,” Imara replied I’ve already paid in Four Hundred Thousand Naira into the account you gave me”. “Really? That’s great, at least we have money to fall back on,” Queen said happily. They talked some more before Queen finally hung up. Imara was about dropping her phone into the bag when Thounder came in. “Who was that?” he asked. “Queen,” Imara replied without delay. “It’s okay”, Thounder said sitting beside her on the sofa. “Three days from now, l’ll be travelling to Cape Coast via Port City.” Imara was silent for awhile. “So when’re you coming back?” she asked. “As soon as l finish the job,” he replied. Those last days before Thoundertravelled were happy days for Imara. The night before Thounder travelled, they had a good meal at Pelga’s and returned home very drunk. They had started to make love as soon as they got home, and through her alcoholic haze she had remembered the pills that Idara had given her. Stumbling and groping her way to the bathroom, she had swallowed the first pill she found and fell back into bed beside Thounder. They made passionate love that night. “Don’t worry sweetie,” Thounder said confidently. “When l return from this trip, we’ll relocate to a better part or we might even fly out.” “Well, let’s wait till when you return,” Imara replied. Thounder cuddled her close. “Sweetheart”, he said gently. “Believe you me; things will change completely for both of us.” Imara snuggled close happy and content to hear these words. “As soon as l get back we’ll get married,” Thounder promised. Immediately Imara thought back to those moments with Tony. He had promised marriage which did not materialize due to the disaster that struck the following week. Thounder continued to cuddle her as they slept contented.

The following day Imara helped Thounder pack his bags. “I hope you’ll not stay for too long,” Imara pleaded. “I hope not too” Thounder replied. Her brown eyes surveyed him in a deep somber gaze, causing him to grab hold of her close to his chest. “Oh my darling, you’re the best thing that ever happened to me”. Thounder picked up his bags. “I’ll be back and loaded with cash. Then you will have the best that the world has to offer.” The door closed and he was gone. The house suddenly became empty just as an air of gloom slowly descended on the flat. Imara could hear his footsteps down the stairs until there was silence. Thounder was gone for good, never to return to the pleasure paradise again. It took almost two weeks before Imara got the news of Thounder’s arrest. The first few days after Thounder had gone, she lazed around the house thinking about him, paying great attention to her looks and praying that she had not made a mistake that could leave her pregnant. Memories of the first child were still too fresh to be forgotten.

Apart from her fears of a possible pregnancy Imara would carefully make up her face, re-set her hair and give a lot of thought on what she would wear. In the evenings, she would go out to eat in Pelga’s restaurant. There she would take time over a good meal to ponder on her life before she had met Thounder. For the first time one other evening her thoughts drifted to Klara her loyal friend, she wondered if she was still at the centre in Kondu city. As soon as Thounder and l marry and settle down, l’ll go and get her, Imara vowed. She’ll be of great help in maintaining the pleasure paradise!