Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

“Boy that’s what l call real love,” Tony exclaimed. “Tell me how does it feel to make love to a pregnant woman?” Imara inquired. “Fantastic,” he replied with a smile” and you know what you can come again and again without fear of scoring another goal.” “Really Tony”, Imara hit him playfully,” so that means you really enjoyed our love making?. She asked. “To the hilt, it couldn’t have been much better.” They both laughed for awhile.” About our baby, tomorrow l’ll give you a cheque of three Hundred Thousand Naira to fix in an account for my baby. You know we have to start planning for his future,” Tony stated. “Really?” Imara exclaimed with excitement, “ that’s very generous of you. Baby you’re lucky to have a generous father like Tony”, Imara said patting her belly. Tony smiled.” And as for marriage,” Tony began, “when you’re alright we’ll go to the registry where l shall take you as my second wife the baby must not be born out of wedlock.” He concluded.” Wait did you say second wife?” Imara asked surprised. “But you never told me you were married.” “Yes because l feared it might affect our relationship,” he replied gently, “you’re not bothered are you?” “Well no! but l thought ….Imara drifted off, “anyway never mind, it’s okay by me but where is your family?” She asked. “All these while l’ve been with you nobody has visited you neither have you ever travelled.” “You’re correct in your observation, Tony replied. “My wife and two kids are in Germany as you know we keep in touch by phone”. Tony yawned. “Don’t worry we shall join them soon”, he promised half asleep. “Join them? Are you serious? Your wife will just kill me,!” Imara said confused.” No you don’t have to meet or live under one roof with her. Tony assured her as he drifted off to sleep. Imara remained awake for awhile staring at the ceiling as she recounted her discussion with Tony. She was pregnant and on her way to becoming a second wife. Will her father be happy with her wherever he is? She wondered. But then their premature exit had left them unprepared and life had not given her any other choice. Unfortunately the only opportunity that came her way she had grabbed it. And certainly a life with Tony was what any girl would yearn for. Imara thought as she drifted off to sleep beside Tony. By the fourth month of her pregnancy, Imara was now able to be by herself and do whatever she wanted having overcome the challenges of the first trimester and beyond. Imara was now looking forward to signing the dotted lines in a registry that would put the seal on her relationship with Tony and turn them to husband and wife. But this was not to be as disaster struck thus shattering their plans. One fine Thursday evening while enjoying the comfort of the television, she heard a knock on the door. “Who’s there? Imara asked.” “Open” a voice replied gruffly from the other side of the door on opening she came face to face with three strange looking men she had never seen before. “Yes! Can l be of help? “ She asked “Sorry madam, we’re from your husband’s office” they replied. “But Tony’s at the office,” Imara said. “Yes we know that – “ “wait l hope he’s alright?” She asked in alarm. “Take it easy! Don’t panic”, one of the men replied patting her on the hand. “Tony’s fine, can we come in and sit down so that we can explain everything to you?” the man demanded. “Sorry please, do come in,” Imara said moving away from the door, “we’re sorry for disturbing you like this, my name is Marcel Okito and this is my colleague, James Udoh, we’re bank staff while Mr. Hodo is a police detective he said. “So Mr. Okito what have you come to do in my husband’s suite?” Imara asked with a tremor in her voice.” Good! There’s been a fraud in the bank..” Okito began. “But how does that concern Tony?” She asked perplexed. “It’s like this,” Udoh intervened. “Tony is the Audit Manager, the fraud was traced from an audit report her was supposed to have gone through before signing but since he’d signed the report it was thus assumed by the bank authorities that he was aware of what’d happened thus making him an accomplice.” “Oh God what’s all this talk about Tony and Fraud?” Imara exclaimed “What can l do to help my husband?” She inquired standing up suddenly. “Madam be calm”, Udoh pleaded. “You know your condition; please we don’t want to make things worse for the two of you.” “So where’s my husband right now?” she asked. “Well Tony’s in detention at the Diamond hill police station for embezzlement of the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira,” Okito paused, “and we have here a search warrant for his room in case..” “what? Are you searching for money? “Imara asked.” Madam, this is a case of fraud and we need all the documents that are related to the case”, Mr. Hodo spoke for the first time. “And your husband’s arrest is normal police procedure that’s why we need all this documents – you never know one of this documents can make the difference and you’ll see your husband walk through the door a freeman,” Hodo added.” And remember he’s only a suspect he’s not been proven guilty of any offence, so be calm”, Udoh cautioned. All their talk fell on deaf ears as Imara slumped into a chair, “impossible! Not my Tony, my baby boy would never do this. He could never hurt a fly talk less of stealing five hundred million bucks.” Imara wailed. “Madam you’re stressing yourself unnecessarily please Tony also told us he’ll soon be a father so please don’t injure the baby and yourself,” Okito pleaded. “That’s why we’re all involved in the investigation with the police we’ll ensure justice and protect your husband but you’ve got to be calm and allow us do our work”. “Please l’m sorry for distracting you,” Imara apologized moving away “thanks” Hodo said. They searched the living room of the suite, the bedroom including the toilet, bathroom and any place that had space. “Well nothing to report about except for copies of the audit report,” Mr. Hodo observed. “We’re done with our searching,” Okito told her. “This is just the only thing we got here and we have these reports already well thank you for cooperating with us. “We shall continue with the investigation. Please be calm and just pray for Tony,” Udoh advised her and they left the suite. “No-o, my God –o- I’m in trouble what‘ll happen to me now and my baby?” Imara wailed. “Oh God clear Tony of these accusations l beg you Lord for the sake of our baby,” She prayed. After awhile she calmed down, crying will not help; she reasoned right now l need to plan my future should the inevitable happen. First thing tomorrow will be to go and see him and then l continue to plan from there. That night Imara had difficulty sleeping for the first time since running away Imara knelt down and prayed like she had never done before. After spending hours thinking about her future and that of her baby, Imara drifted into an uneasy sleep filled with bad dreams. By nine o’clock she was still in bed unaware of developments around her, Imara was woken from her slumber by the hotel manager who came to inform her that the suite was going to be shut tell further notice. “Does that mean l can’t stay here again?” she asked. “Yes”, the manager replied. “I’m sorry it’s hotel procedures you have to check out before midday but l can take the risk and extend it to 4pm in the evening and allow you to have dinner before you go….” “To where”? Imara asked weeping, l don’t know anybody in this town except for Tony and the staff here.” The hotel manager was sad too, how could this happen to a lively lady like this? He wondered. “Madam it’s not the end of the world,” he began, “it’s only a temporary setback that we shall all overcome. I’ll help fix you up” he was saying while Imara just looked at him. “I’ll send a driver to convey you to a friend of mine, Queen by name she runs a hostel for spinsters and single mothers. There’s light, power supply’s not their problem and they have water but above all it’s cheap and very affordable. I’m sure you’ll like it “he concluded. “I’m very grateful sir”,, Imara said trying to hold back the tears but to no avail as the manager left what used to be their suite Imara burst into another round of tears. Oh Tony how could you have allowed this problem to deprive us of our beautiful moments together, she wailed now where do l go from here? She asked herself. Well there will be a way, first she will check out of the Penon Castle Hotel and go find Queen and hopefully things will begin to take shape Imara checked out of the hotel by midday, the manager was surprised. “But l said you could stay till evening..” “Thank you for the offer but it’s better l go now, I don’t want you to get into trouble because of me” she replied. “Alright l’ll send one of the taxi cabs to take you to Queen’s place she’s expecting you,” the manager informed” You’ve called her already? Imara asked. “Yes, she’ll fix you up. I suppose you have the address?” he asked. “Yes and thank you very much, l pray God will bless you for this show of love bye!” She said. “Take care and keep in touch”, the manager replied as the taxi drove off. Is this what life’s all about? She wondered. Just two days ago life was fun and all was well but within a space of one day life was now a case of grace to grass “Madam, we are there”- the driver said interrupting her thoughts “Okay, please park in front of that compound,” Imara directed. The compound in question was a three storey building consisting of one bedroom each and all were self contained. Popularly known as ‘pleasure paradise, it was owned by one Donald Kados who was at the moment cooling his heels in the prison for armed robbery. In his absence, the lot of successfully managing the place was left in the care of his wife – Queen Kados. The pleasure paradise was home to all class of ladies, it accommodated spinsters, single mothers and ladies of easy virtue. But the pleasure paradise at that moment was filled up meaning there was no vacant room for Imara, but she didn’t know yet. “Please is Queen Kados around? “she asked. “No she’s out”, the gateman replied. Based on an agreement, Imara deposited her belongings with the gateman. “Please Queen’s expecting me but l’ve got to reach the National Development Bank before they close”, she told him. “No problem, leave your things here when madam comes back l shall tell her” , the gateman replied. Without further delay Imara rushed to the bank with the intention of seeking out a friend of Tony in the audit section. She was stopped at the gate, “yes sister how can we help you?” the guard asked. “I’m here to see Joni Badmus,” she replied “Okay fill this forms” But it was not necessary because at that same moment Badmus was approaching the gate on his way out “Sister no need, Mr. Badmus’ coming this way”, the guard announced. Quickly Imara came out from the security post in time to meet him. “What’re you doing here?” Badmus asked casting furtive glances. “I came to see you, “she replied.” “That’s okay l’m going out for break, let’s go we’ll talk there”. Together they walked to a restaurant opposite the bank. “What’ll you like to eat?” Badmus asked. Imara shook her head “Eat? While my husband is being tortured for what he didn’t do”, Imara said tears filled her eyes. “I want to see Tony”, she stated flatly. “Ahh! It’s not safe to do that,” Badmus began in fact l’d suggest that you keep clear of the bank if not you’ll be picked as his partner in crime”. “That’d be fine at least l’d be with my husband,” Imara replied stubbornly. “That’s not the point,” Badmus countered, “Even Tony left instructions that you shouldn’t try to come near him.” “But why? “Imara demanded confused.” What? Can’t you see it’s for your own safety and of course the baby. Imara was silent of course there was nothing to say the message was clear but didn’t know why Tony was avoiding her”… please give me your new address l’ll see him this evening and tomorrow evening l’ll give you a feedback on his condition”. “Okay no problem”, Imara said as she wrote down her phone number and address and pushed it to Badmus. “Please l’ll be expecting you and do come because l’m anxious to hear of my Tony.” Imara pleaded. Badmus smiled, “ I understand”. “Please tell Tony l love him and l’ll wait for him no matter how long it takes. Thank you very much and see you tomorrow”, Imara said as she took her exit. Imara took a taxi back to her new abode and was surprised when the gateman waved to her to go on inside “wait, what of my things? “She asked.” Madam Queen came l told her so she carried the boxes inside” the gateman replied. “Okay thank you very much,” she said moving on towards the stair case. Queen lived on the top floor and her apartment was neat, and smelt of lavender. Imara knocked once and the door was opened immediately. “Come in”, the lady said.” You’re Imara? I’m Queen Kados come in”. Imara smiled as she entered Queen’s apartment” thank you very much, she said. “Please relax and feel at home, Queen said. Goddie had told me about you..” Who’s Goddie? She asked with a frown. Goddie’s the manager at the Penon Castel Hotel, Queen told her. “Okay l recall him now”, Imara said “very nice man”. “Right now the rooms’ filled up with tenants so you’ll be staying with me till l can get you a room,” Queen said. They spent the next one hour talking about themselves and the challenges life posed to children who lose their parents early in life, especially the female child. Imara narrated her story to Queen who laughed hilariously whenever it was necessary. It was obvious she liked Imara and the way she had tried to make a future for herself through her actions so far. “But tell me something, what’re you going to do with this pregnancy?” she had asked. “I’ll keep it for my husband,” Imara replied “Not so fast”, Queen said gently “Are you sure he’s coming back to you?” “why not?” Imara fired back. “I strongly believe that he didn’t do it and the truth’ll come out,” Imara concluded hotly. Queen was silent for awhile, “Don’t be offended. I’m just concerned for you, l like you and l want to be your friend so l’ll hate to see you sad,” Queen added. “Don’t worry, l’m not offended. I’m just angry at the injustice that rules the world,” Imara replied bitterly. “Well what’re you going to do now?” Queen asked cautiously. I’ll wait for Tony’s friend; he promised he’ll come tomorrow evening. I need to hear from him at all cost,” she said. Throughout the evening of the next day, Imara waited in anticipation for Badmus so strong was her desire to see Badmus that evening Queen could not divert her attention. Imara was not in the mood to talk, she sat at the gates of the hostel till 9p.m looking at every vehicle that cruised past and hoping that one of these cars will bring Badmus to her. When it appeared, Badmus was not forth coming Imara was sad and troubled, l knew he won’t come that liar, Imara said to herself. Well he’ll see me tomorrow at the bank she vowed since that’s what he wants. As she entered their apartment her eyes fell on some pictures on the table, one of them informed her that Queen was a model. Imara surveyed the pictures with interest, it must be fun to be a model, she reflected. Not long, Queen came tripping along with a sheepish looking young man. “Thanks Bantui,” she called out on seeing Imara inside the house, “hi love come on let’s go out I’m sure you’ve not had dinner”. While changing dresses they heard a knock on the door. “Who’s there?” Imara asked moving towards the door, “it’s me, Badmus replied. “Who’re you?” Imara asked again, “Badmus”, he replied “Thank God,” Imara exclaimed as she opened the door “why did it take you so long to come?” Imara queried. “My job” Badmus replied. “I’m sorry,” he added. “Well did you see Tony? How is he? She asked anxiously. “The news not good at all, he’ll appear in court next week Thursday,” Badmus announced “oh God when’s this going to end?” Imara cried out. “Who’s going to save him – Tony’s innocent, he didn’t steal any money,” she added. Queen came out immediately on hearing the high pitch in her voice. “Imara what is it?” she asked. “And you must be Badmus?”, she inquired moving close to Imara to console her, “Tony’s going to court next Thursday what’ll l do now? “she lamented. “Pray”, Queen advised . “Please steer clear of the courts, “Badmus said” why should l? Imara asked aggressively. “Tony’s wife came in yesterday and she’ll be in court too, Tony advised that you don’t come near the court so that his wife won’t see you”, Badmus concluded.