Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Chapter Three

As her stepfather limped into the bathroom, Imara pretended to be busy in the kitchen. The moment the sound of water falling on the floor reached her, Imara swung into action. Time to move, Imara said to herself. Picking her bag from the room she inched closer to the bathroom door to inform her stepfather that she was ready to leave. “Okay dear take care of yourself and be back soon,” her stepfather called out. “I will,” Imara said letting herself out of the house.” I will indeed, she said sarcastically picking her travelling bag from where she had hid it earlier. Rather than take a motor bike to the Fenton branch of the White Elephant bank, Imara directed the bike man to the Oshodi motor terminal. The first bus wasn’t going her way, but the next bus was. “What is the fare to Pool city? She’d asked the official. “Two hundred naira,” he replied. Without delay Imara paid the fare and took her seat. Only two more passengers were needed for the bus to fill up. “It won’t be long and we shall move” one of the passengers said. “Oh there’s no problem, it’s just that l have an urgent appointment to keep” Imara replied with a smile. Ten minutes after Imara entered, the bus drove out when two more passengers joined to fill it up. Thank God we’re moving, Imara said quietly. She had only been to Pool city twice and she doubted knowing her way again but she just had to get away from her stepfather and Pool city kept cropping up in her mind because she did not know any other town to run to. Meanwhile her stepfather had returned from his Snake Island appointment and was shocked to discover the key still lying where he had kept it. This girl is not back yet, he observed. Gradually time moved on but Imara did not return, alarmed, her stepfather journeyed down to the Orphanage in Rock city to see the Matron. “Imara has vanished without a trace”, he informed the Matron. For a while matron was speechless. “You can’t be serious. I was afraid this would happen,” she lamented. “It’s not my fault, l was nice to her even gave her money to buy university admission Form. What else can a man do for his stepdaughter?” he asked. “I don’t know but I’m sure when we find Imara we will then know what happened,” Matron replied. “Have you reported to the police yet? “She asked. “Not yet, l thought she’d be here” her stepfather said. “Well she’s not here as you can see so let’s go to the police”. “I guess you’re right” her stepfather said. “Oh my dear child where’re you right now”. Matron wailed Together they went to the station along Pansheke road, the desk sergeant took in all the details as well as her picture, “we’ll find her, “he said.” Is there anything else we can do to assist, “Matron asked. “Nothing but just pray – have a good day, “the officer said. “When you get to Port city go lodge a complaint with the police too” Matron suggested. “And do keep me posted. Before returning to Port city, Imara’s stepfather and the matron exchanged numbers promising to call the moment something tangible came up at either of their ends. This girl will not destroy me, her stepfather said to himself as he boarded the car back to Port city.

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By 12.45pm in the afternoon, the bus finally drove into the imposing Bodeeja motor park. “end of the journey – we’ve arrived the last bus stop, passengers can disembark “the conductor announced. Imara had drifted off to sleep while on the way. “Sister get down”. “What? She asked. “We’re in Pool city”, one of the passengers said. “Oh thank you,” she said trying to be in charge but deep down she was confused. So far it had been easy running away but she never planned how it would end. Thank God l have money with me she said patting her handbag at worst she would sleep in a hotel certainly cheap hotel could be found in the city. Suddenly a motorbike with two men on it came towards her at top speed, “make way”, the rider shouted while his passenger neatly sliced off the straps of her handbag and they made away with her bag. “My bag, my bag”, Imara cried out. But it was too late and it was so sudden nobody could help her. Dejected Imara sat on the sidewalk and began to cry. “Don’t cry,” one fat woman said to her. “Why not” she queried, I had fifteen thousand naira inside the bag,” she replied. “Oh noooo, “the woman said, sighing dejectedly she walked away. Imara was left alone to her fate, what a cruel world. First my parents now my money, A voice within her suggested going to the police, what difference will that make she countered. At the end she opted to follow her intuition to go to the police. Though sad because of the money she had lost which would have been her major source of sustenance, she remembered the paltry three thousand Naira tucked somewhere in her traveling bag but this would run out in no time she hissed sadly. So she went to the Bodeeja police station to report. After reporting the case, she was made to write a statement. Imara now through with her written statement, the officer looked up at her. “Young lady you can go, “he said. Thank you officer but when do l check for a feedback? She asked “Ehm today is Saturday check back on Monday,” the sergeant told her. As soon as Imara left, the two officers behind the counter burst into laughter. “Fool” the sergeant said “where does she want us to start searching for two men on a motorbike? “May be under her skirt”, the corporal suggested sarcastically, still laughing.” I’m sure by the time she visits for complete one to two weeks she would have learnt her lesson.” With a fading smile on his face, “yes you’re right”, the sergeant concurred. Meanwhile, on leaving the police station, Imara paused a few meters from the gate as she went over her situation. I’m in a tight corner right now and these foolish policemen instead of assisting me find the crooks were now asking me to come back on Monday when today is just Saturday. I wonder how they expect me to survive. That’s what they’ve always said about our police force they’re only good in extorting chicken change from helpless bus driver’s very corrupt and useless people. Uncaring too she observed they did not even bother to find out if l have anything to pay my way back not to talk of surviving till Monday. Anyway l thank God that l still have this three thousand naira in my bag. I better check to be sure it’s there. Oh thank God it’s here she said quietly after a brief search, l’m sure this will keep me till Monday she said smiling as she moved on. Imara checked out a couple of hotels till she finally got a cheap one opposite Rover’s hotel which of course was five star hotel so she’d not bothered going there. . Due to the day’s activities which left her totally exhausted, Imara didn’t bother to take a shower before turning in for the night. She slept off the moment her body made contact with the bed, with her new found freedom Imara slept without even bothering to undress. It was already 7.30am when Imara opened her eyes that beautiful Sunday morning. My God, its twenty-five minutes to eight, l must have really slept indeed, she told herself all the while battling to keep her eyes open. ‘Mennnn l was really tired yesterday to have slept through the night like a log of wood and wake up late and now l’m really famished, she said to herself and l need a good bath too. So we’ll take it one after the other. A good bath first then go out and find a place to load this empty stomach of yours. She said sarcastically to herself and enjoying every minute. This is what l call freedom, Imara said. Now l could do as l wish. Picking her towel from the bed, she walked into the bathroom. By ten 0’clock that beautiful Sunday morning Imara was set to hit the road in search of a restaurant. Her attire did justice to her beautiful and well shaped body. Imara was dressed in tight mini skirt with a curved neck top and a scarf to cover her shoulders and keep away the early morning chill while exposing her well shaped spotless long legs with her breast competing for space, her well shaped hips added its complement to her dressing that morning. She took time to observe herself in the mirror and was pleased with the beautiful figure that stared back at her from the mirror. She smiled in satisfaction. I am now a fully grown lady she said to herself and l have what it takes to rule this world. Alright here we go she said finally stepping out of her room. She exchanged smiles with the girl at the lobby and continued on her way to the gate where she would take a taxi cab to any restaurant along the way. Instead of the yellow and black striped taxis that ply the metropolis, it was a blue Mercedes Benz 190 car that stopped in front of Imara. “Going my way?” the sole occupant of the car asked. He was a young man in his early thirties and handsome too Imara observed. “I don’t know where you’re going to,” Imara replied. “Alright jump in and let’s find out the man said smiling and opening the front passenger door for her. Imara did not argue as she quietly entered the car and they drove off. “I’m very hungry” she began, “l was just looking for a good restaurant nearby because l’m new in the vicinity. “That makes two of us the man said joining in the conversation, “but l’ve only been to Pool city twice so l know a nice place care to join me? He invited. “Thanks for your hospitality”, Imara began but l don’t know who is talking to me”. “Well you never introduced yourself either, “the man said smiling. “You should have done so first’, Imara replied smiling too, “after all it’s your car. “You’re right! Anyway my name is Tony Farouk, l work with the First National Development bank – l’m in the Audit Department, “he said. “So what’re you doing in my city? Imara asked. “I’m head of audit department covering the entire branches in the entire zone”. “So that means you could be sent to any part of the country anytime “Imara enquired. “Yes,” Farouk replied as he pulled off the road to park in front of a big restaurant along Bodeeja. “Here we are”, Farouk announced switching off the ignition, but you are yet to tell me about yourself—“ “Inside”, Imara replied without letting him finish, “I’m terribly hungry right now”. Inside Imara spinned him a fairy tale about herself and lied that she had just gotten admission into the University of Pool city to read Pharmacy. “That’s great! Congratulation I’m really impressed.“ Farok exclaimed. “I’m sure your father must be very proud of this feat you’re just my type of girl”. Imara smiled pretending to be shy. Food was served and they ate in silence, of course Farouk paid the bill and even ordered a take away for Imara.” Thank you very much you’re so nice” Imara said “thank God”. Farouk smile as they drove off in silence. “Here’s my complimentary card. Check me in the office on Monday or Tuesday please l will like to know you better,” he said. “I will” Imara replied, and turned to go” No wait he stopped her, “take this, he said pressing some mint notes into her hand. “You will surely need it.” “Thank you”, Imara said as she collected the money and tucked it away inside her purse. “Thanks a million, “she said again as Farouk sped off with a smile on his face. Back in the comfort of her room Imara screamed with joy. Yes! She said l have just arrived and for doing nothing see all he gave me bringing out the wad of mint notes on counting five thousand naira! Whoa l’m going to give him my best l’m sure he will fall in love with me then we can settle down as husband and wife imagine being call Mrs. Imara Farouk. Oh what a world of opportunities it would open for me, Imara dreamed on. The following day being Monday, Imara got up with high spirit. I have to keep my appointment at the station first then l will call on Farouk. No she said after awhile l will visit the police station today then dedicate tomorrow to Mr. Tony Farouk so that l don’t give myself away as a desperate lady. But come to think of it why do l have to go to the police again she thought. Even if life continues this way l don’t think l shall be stranded, l’m sure life will be fine without the money that l lost, she reasoned. Anyway, l have nothing to lose. If they’ve gotten those stupid rogues then my money would increase. With this thought Imara dressed herself, admiring herself in the mirror as usual. Eventually she left her room to keep the appointment at the station. The roads are busy today she observed as vehicles cruised to and fro. Taxi she called out, where? The driver asked as he left the road, “Bodeeja police station. “ Come in, “the driver said as they drove off. Unknown to Imara her complete dossier had reached the Bodeeja police station. The desk sergeant recognized her after she stated why she had come that morning of course it never crossed her mind that her stepfather was even looking for her. “Of course we have your report,” the sergeant said” “follow me,” her heart missed a beat. Maybe they have apprehended the crooks she thought as she followed the sergeant. Imara was ushered into a room, where she saw two men seated “what is this?” “She asked the sergeant. “Shut up and sit down” one of the men ordered. “Any attempt to escape and l will shoot your legs”. Quietly she complied and sat down while the sergeant who brought her there retreated. “Please what is it you want from me? l’ve just been robbed of my handbag containing fifteen thousand naira—“ “Shut up”, the Inspector ordered. “Is that why you ran away from home? “The question hit Imara like a hammer. “Me?” Imara said feigning ignorance. “No – my mother,” another officer replied. So this useless man had gone to the police after all, l shall deal with him now, Imara vowed. “Please officer l had to run away because of my stepfather’s attempt to rape me,” Imara opened up suddenly feigning tears. “Really, that is terrible” the sergeant replied. “Anyway our order is to find you and now we’ve found you so we shall inform the authorities in Rock city,” the Inspector informed her. “Thank God” Imara sighed at least l’m not going back to that animal”. But then going back to the orphanage is not such a good idea either, Imara reflected. Than an idea crossed her mind – that’s it, she said. Try and seduce the officer who fortunately for her has just come on duty and if he falls go home with him and from there escape to freedom. For awhile she sat still and waited for the right opportunity. In the evening the officer on duty brought her food to eat. “Thank you, sir,” Imara said “You’re a very kind person” “Thank you,” the corporal replied. “Wait a minute sir, Imara said “Yes? Be quick”, the corporal urged her. “Okay! But l thinks you should sit down and let’s have a little chat – l have a confession to make”. The officer hesitated for awhile “Okay”, he said sitting down. “Do you know keeping me here was a good idea? Imara began. “Because l have no money on me”. “But why did you run away? The corporal asked “My stepfather wanted to rape me”, she answered. The constable was silent for awhile apparently trying to digest the news he had just heard. “Did l hear you right? “The corporal asked. “By the way where is your real father?” “He’s dead – died in the war in Rapid Falls, “Imara informed him “was he in the army? “The corporal inquired suddenly interested in the discussion though with no inkling on where it was leading to. “As l was saying, l ran away from home from my animal stepfather,” she paused. “But for you l can let you have your way with me – l’m still a virgin. “She moved closer to the corporal. “Really?” the corporal fired back licking his lips in anticipation” l love your offer – so lets it do now”. While the corporal after looking round and seeing nobody wanted to undo his zipper but Imara stopped him in his tracks. “What? Why?” “Not here – l want a comfortable place with a big bed and air-condition or fan to keep us cool,” Imara said stroking the corporal’s chin. “Sorry it’s not possible – you want to escape,” the corporal said moving back as if stung by a bee. “You’ve missed,” Imara said touching her chest. “You were arrested for running away and taking you out of here will cost me my job – so keep your virginity so that l can keep my job.” Imara sat suddenly saddened by the failure of her plans to escape. “And l came so close to getting him, Imara said in anger.