*******
THE TIGERS MANOR ( Oviawe's mansion).
"What!!!!!!!" The mighty roar of the elder filled the manor followed by piercing sounds of shattering glass. Tension fueled the atmosphere as everyone avoided eye contact with the old man. His fist though filled with wrinkles and gray hair still had its youthful vitality as he firmly gripped the table. His piercing gaze scanned through everyone present before scanning the person reporting the news.
Unfazed, by the scourging gaze, the young man stood firm in the room, his eyes fixed to the ground, his hands wrapped around his back as he reported his findings.
" Sir! As we speak, the authorities are searching relentlessly for him and there are rumors that we are using our powers to hide him. "
"So what's the situation!" The old man's voice seemed calmed but his eyes were laced with venom.
" The company's stock has started to fluctuate, The party members are having their doubts as they are finding ways to drop you, The family heir is no where to be found, Now there are rumors that our clan is responsible for the massive insecurity we are having in the state and our position on the political chase has been shifted ".
" Hmm! Is that all?" His deep voice echoed through the hall, although it seemed calm there was this pressure it carried that made anyone present in the room not make the mistake of breathing.
" I believe for now, yes. Sir!" The man said bowing deeply before taking a step back. Blending with the robust men in uniform.
" Good! Since does fools can't tell the difference between left and right let's show them". The old man said as he rests his back on the chair, his cold face breaking into a sly smug.
A man stepped out from the crowd of uniformed men as he strode over to the old man who was sitted in the middle of the room. With a thud his knees went to the ground and his face fixed to the floor.
"It's time for you to deliver my gift". The old man calmly others as he swayed his hands and a man holding a tray with a wine and a tall glass on it. He briskly, poured the wine into glass and bowed before serving the old man.
He calmly placed the cup on his lips, took a sip and returned the bottle back to the tray. Each move neat and majestic. Pleasing for anyone present to watch.
"Also, make sure my grandson doesn't fall into the hands of that old fool. You may go". He stated before he lazily closed his eyes ignoring everyone and everything around him.
The young man,smartly stood up, turned to his fellow uniformed men and gave a nod. Soon a group of five stepped out and stood with the man before walking out of the hall .
" I can't interfare in this war my boy. It's all up to you, if you are capable to ascend my throne you have to fight this fight all on your own". The old man whispered to himself, his eyes sealed but his posture defined.
*************
Outside the hall a staff member stood and waited for silence before slipping away into the passage. He walked down the hall cautiously scanning his way from time to time before walking over to a closed door.
With a gentle hit, he knocked on the door three times. After the last knock the door slightly opened and the man briskly walked in then the door was sealed shut afterward.
He walked into the room , sitted across the room is a woman in her early fifties and a young man in his thirties. The atmosphere around her is a reflection of her wealth and power.
Immediately the young man saw them, he took a bow and remained in that position with his head fixed to the ground.
"What was the old man's reaction?" She asked.
" I couldn't tell, because the masters reputation has given alot of damage to his reputation. "
"I knew it!Very soon I would be crowned the new heir. " The young man celebrated.
"Shut up!" The woman scourned clearly irritated.
" Does he suspect?" She whispered to the man.
"I doubt madam. All his attention is pointed to the old man."
" Good! You may go ." She said, then the young man quickly stood and exited the room. Immediately the man left the young man stood up.
"Mom! You are clever. We got rid of Efe without the old man suspecting anything. Now it would just be a matter of time before he joins his mother and I would be crowned the new heir." He proclaimed, his mouth stuck in a grim.
"Patience my child! Even if he is out of the way, you still have two more brothers to deal with. Remember,we don't have power here, we can only watch as the take each other out and we take over. For now we have to be careful, the old man is really clever. "
"Okay mom as you wish. Don't worry about the others I have gotten solid information on them. It's just a matter of time before we take control".
"My son, this is the game of politics, you can't be too sure. Just be careful!"
*************
LATER THAT NIGHT.
NEWS HEADLINES.
News got out, of the mysterious kidnapping which happened some months ago. It was said that information had reached them and they wanted to further more investigate on the matter. The present minster is under investigation as findings where dug up on him relating to drugs. The former minister of agriculture and current party head is held under investigation in relation to missing palliatives and machinery. Lastly reports have gone out, that the leader of a major terrorist gang is in relation to honorable,Chief.... The current candidate for the presidential election. Also still on the presidential candidate, a trending video is circulating now of the presidential candidate on the campus grounds after the chaos.
The news was just so explosive, hit after hit. Silence ruled the hall as everyone subconsciously glanced at the old man from time to time.
Everyone maintain their distance, afraid not to offend him as the old man is known for his no mercy.
In the middle of the hall the old man's cold gaze remained fixed to the screen. His foggy eyes couldn't hide his mischief as his face twisted into a grin.
***************
THE ABANDONED APARTMENT.
" The tiger has made a move and there seems to be no mercy. Are you sure you want to continue with this plan". Kunle spoke but his eyes still fixed on Efe.
In the dimly lit room his gaze still carried some mysterious meaning. He watched every of his moves afraid if he let go for once something bad might happen.
"See! Relax ooo. He no fit do anything, just relax." One of the men grumbled annoyed of kunle's insecurity.
The doors flew open as zarki( the one with the deep menacing voice) Walked in.
"The Tiger has made his move! We have to make ours. We can bargain with the boy but the girl isn't that valuable to us, so here's what we would do. We inform the old man directly that we have the girl".He stated.
" How are you sure it's the Old man that wants them?" Kunle asked.
"We've been following them for a long time now and we are sure it's him ". Zarki affirmed.
"That's still.....!"kunle wanted to talk further but was interrupted.
"Abeg guy! Shut up. Your own don tire me abeg shut up".
"Who you the talk to? See mind yourself I no bi your mate ". Kunle screamed, his watery red eyes opened widely as vains was bulging from his forehead.
" Who you de form for? See small pikin get liver pass you let me tell you now ooo". Owiwi answered him.
"See! Mind your tongue. Don't push me". Kunle warned.
Owiwi, unfazed by the warning stood up and walked over to kunle with a thug he smacked kunle on his chest.
"Wetin you fit do!" He screamed challenging kunle.
"Ha! Ha! He! He!" Kunle menacing chuckle filled the room. Everyone present thought it was over until he pulled out a gun and pointed it at owiwi's forehead.
"Any last words!" He's tone slow but poisonous. Owiwi stood unfazed, he looked directly in kunle's eyes. His gaze carrying mockery which made kunle more furious as he hit the edge of the gun on owiwi's head. Soon, a vicious fight began. Everyone gathered to separate the two men.
During, the fight Efe tapped on Ire's hand. He could hear her anxious breathing and her little murmuring prayers. Even in this atmosphere she prefers to talk to someone she can't see. Her faith was remarkable.
"Ire!" He called out in a mere whisper but loud enough for her to hear.
"Efe! Am scared but my Father comforts me and assures me i would be fine". She said her voice having this certain confidence. That amused Efe? "How could you talk to someone you can't see or hear and receive answers ". He thought.
"Are you sure he told you?"he asked.
"Yes! He said in his words in Psalms ' A thousand may fall at your side , and ten thousand at your right hand but it shall not come near you . Only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked '" she affirmed herself.
"O...Kay!" The Atmosphere became awkward for him. So he went quiet but her soft voice echoed through his ears.
" Efe! Why have they been referring you as the Tigers heir". As simple as her question was the more heavier it was on his heart. The last thing he need was to show her his world. He liked her pure energy and he didn't want his world to stain it.
"It's another talk for another day." He said evading the question. Silence loomed around them, the distant chaos was still under control as they where now settling amongst themselves.
"Ire!" Efe called out, exhaustion evident as his breathing became a little bit deep.
"Efe! I hear you. What's wrong? " She said her voice laced with worry.
"From now on ward we won't be together. I need you to not worry about anything everything is taken care of especially your safety". He said in a mere whisper but it was loud enough for her to hear.
"Efe! I Know I would be fine. I also want you to be fine..." Her back trembled, her breathing became heavy as her little sniffes echoed in their little corner. " Efe thank you very much for everything and I pray we would see each other again, well and healthy".
" Ire everything would be fine. Pray that I come back".
"He! He! He!" Her faint chuckles filled his ears. Which lighten his mood. Ignoring all the soreness from his body.
" What's so funny?" He asked.
" I never thought you would say that to me. Well I thank God my praying habits have started to rub of on you". She said in a joyful cheer although her voice seemed weak her joy disguised her pain.
" Yeah...! " Efe said.
Meanwhile at the other side the conflict was settled and they sorted things out. Owiwi walked of a corner, his phone held firmly in his hands.
" I've made the call and sent the photo!" His voice deep but his gaze certain.
"So now what?" One of the men asked.
'beep! ' the electronic notification echoed. Owiwi lifted up his phone and showed everyone the content . On it was written a credit alert of three million naira boldly.
"He would send the rest when he sees the girl". Owiwi explained.
"Good ! You may proceed with the plan" Zarki seconded. Giving way for Owiwi to pass.
He walked over with his boys and they forcefully pulled Ire up and dragged her out but before leaving he glanced at kunle then smiled.
"Stay well!" He said Before he walked away.