Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Two days later, on a wet and cloudy Wednesday morning, Imara prepared to go out for a business trip. Klara watched as she put finishing touches to her make-up seeing the expression on her face, she said, “I’m going out alone. Take care of the house. And don’t receive any callers today okay and you can go to the club for a swim.” Imara had said. Klara screwed up her face in disappointment. Since coming to live here, she always accompanied Imara on her outings thus she was at a loss why today was so special. A day out was always a special treat for Klara particularly when allowed to go to the beach or the swimming pool. For a long time it had been her main source of social life. But then over the years the scene had changed dramatically. The club being closed down to thoroughly overhaul it in order to improve their standards fortunately had been reopened recently. The clientele had changed too but in spite of all this Klara still fitted into the scheme of things. She was well known at the People’s club, so letting her go alone didn’t pose any problem. Make sure you behave yourself, Imara warned. “I’ll do just that”, Klara promised as she accompanied her out of their apartment into the street shortly after ten o’clock without her car.

The streets were bustling with activity and very noisy, so different from what they were like at night. Many people had often described Brass city as the city that goes to bed too early. As usual, she was struck by the recent development that had occurred in the entire area unlike when she first moved in, it was not like this, she thought. But one thing she noticed that had not moved up to that moment was the refuse heap near the bus stop. A new boutique had been opened across the road, this must be new indeed at least I can afford to pop in once in awhile to see what they have, still in a nostalgic mood Imara boarded a taxi to the business district. While in the cab she took a hard view of her life. Maybe it’s time to quit this business and begin to live clean, she thought. If by next year Thounder came looking for her only to discover she was an executive prostitute, she would be in a bigger mess than she was right now. Disembarking at the business district, she wandered past the tall building housing the king’s bank and moved on until she reached her destination the Capital Investments Company. She boarded the lift and got out on the tenth floor, and as Fela had instructed her, requested to see a certain Mr. Bomah Brooks. After waiting for a while, she was ushered into a large office. Mr. Brooks as she noticed from the name tag on the table was the managing director and to Imara he was a bright young man and typical of the type of customers she would love to host. “Yes pretty lady how may I help you? “Brooks asked.

“I came here on the recommendation of Mr. Fela Brown”, she said, handing him the card Fela had given to her earlier on.

“ I want you to guide me on how to invest my money with your company”. Imara said to him. Mr. Brown was very pleased at the prospect of making some quick profit, so he took his time to put her through. “Here we sell shares for companies and also run our own holiday resorts along the coast. Right now we’re about to enter the sub region. It’s a new venture in wealth creation and the dividends are excellent. We have people from all works of life investing in our holiday homes; we have a high level of integrity. I’m sure Mr. Brown also told you that?” He asked. Imara sat very still in her chair and allowed her mind to roam for a while. Surveying her the managing Director wondered whose daughter she would be, she was really attractive and looked delicate. “My dear how much do you intend to invest? “He asked. “What’s the lowest and highest amount that one can invest? “Imara asked in return.“Well our minimum amount is two thousand bucks, there’s no maximum”, Brooks answered. “Okay”, Imara replied calmly, twenty five thousand dollars”. Brooks eyebrow shot up in surprise. “Waoooo, that’s a good sum”, he said. “Kindly sign these documents, and as soon as your money is ready you can let us have it”. Imara’s next statement almost knocked Brooks off his chair. “I’ve brought the money with me”, She said, opening her bag and handing him the sum of twenty five thousand dollars. “You have? I can see you have,” Brooks echoed the statement. Picking up his pen he wrote down her name and address. He looked at her again, her address sounded familiar. “Do you know Queen Kados? He asked casually. “Yes I do, she’s out of the country, and now residing in Madira” Imara replied. Walking her to the door, Brooks politely said and with a smile,” please read those papers well. They’ll give you all the information you need”. Once Imara had gone he darted back into the office to inform his secretary”. “Guess my catch for today”, he said with excitement. “I’ve just signed up one of Queen’s girls. Twenty five thousand dollars and in cash, ‘mehnnnn my commission is going to be sweet” .

“And I’m just here working my energy for promotion”, the secretary replied sarcastically. When Imara got home, she called Fela on her mobile handset telling him of her investment. After she rang off Imara was still buzzing with excitement from her conversation with Fela. “Whoa a holiday in Bakka peninsula with Fela meeting me at the jetty very romantic”, she said to herself.

Imara took advantage of the August break, cancelled all her engagements and went for holiday at Bakka peninsula. It was something she had never done before. Klara did not know what to say. She liked the idea of getting away from Brass City for a change but then business called. “Don’t you think the holiday should come up some other time in view of your appointments and there‘re men with pregnant wallets”, Klara pointed out.

“Screw the men and their money, all work and no play will make Imara a dull girl” Imara replied “it’s been business all along now its time for pleasure. I’ve always yearned to go to the sea side. All my life I’ve wanted to, so I’m going now”, she had been thinking a lot lately about her poverty stricken childhood especially after her father died and she was determined to live a better life. “This is one moment I’ve waited for and I don’t intend to let it pass by me”. Klara did not argue any further. “You’re the boss here”, she said. Her childhood and youth having been spent in different orphanages, Klara didn’t have time for holidays. “Alright, pack up the goodies, and we’ll be on our way in no time”, Imara said cheerfully. Klara did as she was told and graciously packed all that they would need for the holiday. On Saturday morning, Imara and Klara travelled from the marine jetty. Imara looked ravishing in a boubou gown. Her braided hair bound together at the end and beautiful pearl earrings dangled from her soft ear. She looked, smelled and felt sophisticated and expensive. As the ferry pressed on towards the peninsula, she peeped out of the window to stare at the water flowing toward the Atlantic Ocean, and the huge linen that glided past the ferry. “This is the sea, Klara”, Imara whispered. “Isn’t it exciting?” “It’s beautiful and I’m sure will be a lovely place to play in” Klara agreed. Leaving the throng of passengers, Imara and Klara went to the cafeteria for lunch with the men at the other tables giving her admiring glances. They finished their meal and returned to their seats. Just before twelve thirty in the afternoon, the MV. Anansa came to a halt at the noisy jetty in Bakka peninsula. As he had promised, Fela was at the jetty waiting to greet them. They got into the available transport provided by their host and the trip to Fela’s place of Business and abode commenced. Surveying the distant swamps and forests and the vast expanse of blue sea, Imara was amazed. “What a wonder and so much space”, she murmured. Thrilled by the things she saw and overtaken by the strong sense of freedom, Imara turned her face towards the sun. “What a lovely experience”, she voiced out. The sea breeze tampered down the effect of the sun on them as they drove along, thus making their trip a very pleasant one. The peninsula Hotel was situated high on the hill tops, thus giving a very fantastic view over the entire Bakka peninsula. The view was breath taking and magnificent, in awe Imara gazed down at the sea beating against the beach. “Oh! What a sight just as I thought it would be, “She cried in delight. “It’s virgin land, soft and fresh”, Fela replied, “but I like it though sometimes it gets lonely during the rainy season. Then during July and August the population of visitors will increase but the holiday period remains our busiest moments.

Imara wasn’t listening to Fela; she was so thrilled with the view from the garden. As they entered the hotel. She noticed that it had a quiet air about it, and the smell of furniture paint and spicy food helped to make her feel at home. Fela showed them their rooms, which were clean and very comfortable. “I like it here”, Klara said smiling. “Of course I knew you’d”, Imara replied. “I’m glad we came on this holiday. I really need to unwind”. Imara said falling on the bed.

After a wonderful dinner, Imara went to the bar and drank with Fela who introduced her to some sailors who were holidaying at the hotel. These were men who had seen all that there was to see in the world of sailing. That night they all drank themselves silly and sang songs with cracked voices. Imara enjoyed their company. The next day, she explored Bakka village and went down to the beach where huge galls shrieked overhead. She was in cloud nine with joy. At last it’s happening. She told herself. All her life there had been someone making demands on her, Using up her energy, dulling her mind. She had been helpless of fighting back and being in control. Now she was indeed experiencing that freedom. She was very free like the gulls circling overhead. In the past her life had been dominated without her permission thus depriving her of the chance to do what she wanted. But all that has changed and on this soft beautiful beach she was really at peace with herself and the environment. She found herself thinking of Thounder and wishing that they could share the moment together. But she wondered if Thounder

Thounder would have appreciated the beauty that surrounded them at that moment. Klara though very much in love with the hotel’s environment didn’t fancy coming down the hill all the way to the beach. The sight of the water and the winding road was too much for her. Then she had out rightly rejected Imara’s invitation to accompany her to the beach. “No thanks”, she had said when she initially invited her. “one false move and you’ll be food for the fishes. I’ll rather watch T.V”, she had replied. Imara spent her days alone, feeling free and completely captivated by the scenery on the Bakka peninsula. Maybe I should leave Brass city and come settle here in this peaceful and serene environment. She thought to herself. That evening after dinner Imara put the idea across to Klara, “Why on earth will you do that?” Klara cried out. “Please count me out in such a plan” Klara said with a frown. “Why don’t you like the place?” Imara asked.“This place will be deserted soon”, Klara replied. “I like the sun”. While the discussion lasted, Imara could not understand why Klara would not come with her to Bakka peninsular. “Don’t worry”, Imara began in an attempt to appease her, “You’ll still be provided for and of course you know there’s a home for you as long as you tag with me”. Klara shook her head in disagreement. “Things won’t be like it was in Brass city Imara, if you come here we’d starve to death”. “Common shut up you ugly ape”, Imara roared. “If it’s that easy why don’t you allow the bastards do what they like with your body. So that you’ll not starve”. In order not to worsen matters Klara went into a sulky silence and fled into the toilet.

Feeling a nice day begin, Imara had almost drank herself silly. After a while Fela joined her and they retied to her bedroom, Fela’s attempt to make love to her ended in a big disaster as his erection could only last a miserable two minutes ‘please forget about that and let’s talk on other important and valuable issues” Imara suggested. “yes that a good idea” Fela replied Imara suggested. “yes that a good idea” Fela replied with a sense of resignation. He picked up a housecoat to cover his flabby body. ‘‘but I hope you’re not angry over what just happened” Fela asked with concern. “Of course not”, Imara replied. “ Nooooo, but indeed it’s time for you to forget about such lustful desires”.

“And no matter what, in any case where it concerns you, the doors are always open and let’s remain friends”, Fela pleaded for lack of what to say. Imara nodded her head in agreement to the fact. “Of course friendship is not all about sex. I’ve known you for quite some time now and truly speaking I do enjoy spending time with you and I look forward to coming back again”, Imara told him. “That’s very consoling, Thanks a lot and goodnight”, Fela said kissing her on the cheek. As Fela left her room, Imara switched off the light and went to sleep.

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Imara’s two weeks holidays at the Bakka Peninsula ended very fast. How time flies: she observed that morning as they left for the jetty to catch the ten o’clock ferry to Brass City. As the call to board was given tears had filled Imara’s eyes as she said good bye to Fela. She was certain that they would meet again. “Like I said the doors are wide open”, Fela had said cheerfully. “Coming over here for just that”, Imara promised.“I shall take you up on that; Imara said waving.

“Well, back to good old Brass city: Imara said as they sat in the ferry. “its back to square one” Klara sniffed, “I don’t think so, the place was too lonely all the while”, she grumbled.Imara

,“I don’t think so, the place was too lonely all the while”, she grumbled.Imara merely grimed. “I think you’re getting old indeed”.

“Of course nobody will remain young forever, Klara replied. “Well that’s your cup of tea not mine, Imara began. “If I had my way I’d have remained there permanently” “But that would have meant no more expensive restaurants or gifts anymore”, Klara pointed out.

“Oh shut your trap”, Imara snapped. “You’re sounding like an old train”. After that exchange, she fell silent and sat looking out of the window. As usual her thought went back to Thounder. He had practically no freedom; he was just locked up in a cage she wondered if he had ever seen such beautiful sights. It was likely that he hadn’t having also been reared in the arid region of the north. He used to tell her about how; in his youth he and his friends would take camel rides across the border into the desert for quick business, anything to raise money. Seeing him now in her minds eyes his round face and hard body, she wondered if they would ever get together again. If she married Fela and lived respectably, of course Thounder would cease being her lover. So that was not a good option. But her present position was faulty too. Thounder hated prostitution. “If I ever find out you’ve sleeping around I’ll slit your throat” he had warned her. She sighed deeply; she was in a fix between the devil and the deep blue sea. Her problem did not seem to have an end. Still, she decided that it was better to let things be that way. Answers would come before the year ended. Having taken that decision, she returned to the pleasure paradise. With her face well made-up she lounged on her sofa clad in her lovely negligee awaiting her customers. And life continued as usual. On her part Klara was very active, Keeping the house clean, cooking mouth watering dishes for Imara and attending to the men who called each evening to see Imara. In her hard manner, Imara coped with it as always, but now she pushed all thoughts of Thounder from her mind.

Business boomed for Imara as many conferences took place in Brass City, bringing more business men into town. The money rolled in for Imara from her work, and then the following year, she received her first dividend from capital investments. It was a very big sum of money. The night life of Brass city continued. The vice, the violence and the criminal activity increased more and more as refugees from the war in Rapid Falls and Sierra republic poured into the city. These refugees mostly women and children were allowed to roam the streets. Being strangers they fell into wrong hands, in the end some were raped while many others met their end in the hands of ritual killers.