The Unexpected Call

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JECINCTA
 

I didn't hear from Mr D on Saturday, neither did he call me on Sunday. By Monday night I was a little concerned. 3 days without hearing from him was a new record. I found myself thinking about him during the day, about how his mission in Edo state was going and if he had any luck with whatever it was he was looking for. I also wondered how he would take it if I broke up with him. Would he just let me go? After everything he had done for me? Although I knew I wasn't ready to end things with him, not when I was already learning to drive and dreaming of the BMW convertible he was going to buy for me. Mr D provided me a life of luxury and in return, I was more or less his property, constantly walking on eggshells to assure him I had eyes for no one else, because the only thing that really mattered was keeping the money source happy.
But now that I knew I would never be broke again, it was fun to imagine what it would be like to be free from his toxic jealousy and the overbearing control he wielded over me. To go out and not have to answer a barrage of accusatory questions and not have to promise him assurances of my fidelity. To be able to travel home once in a while without asking him for permission. Last Christmas after promising my parents I'll spend the holidays with them, he had refused to let me go, saying he wanted me in Lagos with him.  Although I had developed feelings for him but it wasn't love, when someone spoiled you thoroughly you were bound to feel some affection. To be honest I wasn't sure I could even fall in love again, but it would have been nice to know I had the option open to me, but not when my life centered round him. I didn't even have any real friends, most of the people I knew were the high class snobbish elite Mr. D had introduced me to during our yatch rides and private beach parties. It was ironic, I had found a way to seduce and control Mr D to provide my needs and make my every whims a reality but the truth was he was the one who had control over my life.  

He had told me specifically not to call him but by Tuesday morning I tried his line again. It was still out of reach. I could do nothing but worry and speculate until I got a call from him by 9pm. I was relieved to hear from him and a little surprised to learn I genuinely cared for him.
"Mr. D what happened? I was so worried when I didn't-" I struggled to keep the relief in my voice to a minimum
But he interrupted me. "Jess oh my, you wouldn't believe what has happened!"

There was so much excitement in his voice I became intrigued immediately. "What happened love?"

"I'll be coming home tomorrow not weekend anymore...."

I remembered what he had said before he traveled. If he was coming back before weekend, did that mean he had found whatever.....

He was still speaking, "It exists Jess! Can you believe it? I found it, all this while I thought it was a lie!" He stopped to draw his breath, I had never heard him sound this excited before. "I'm just meant to spend a couple of hours in Lagos before I fly out again to Sokoto but I'll find time to stop by"

"What's real baby? What did you find? what's in Sokoto? Slow down nah!" I could barely keep up.

"Don't worry I'll make sure I stop by your place first, I'll try to explain better but baby, you're about to become a fucking queen, a real queen. My queen..... you wouldn't believe, it still feels like a dream..." His voice faded away kind of wistfully before he ended the call. I didn't know what to make of the call except that he sounded a little crazy but I was intrigued. 

He called me as early as 10;11am the next day to inform me he was already at the Murtala Mohammed Airport. "These past 4 days have been really stressful, I have to check in briefly at work but I should be with you by 2. I have till 4 before heading back to the airport so you have to really make it worth it"

I knew just what he wanted. "A massage..?"

"Perfect, see you soon" I heard the smile in his voice

I was a little excited, I knew I was going to receive a crazy transfer alert from him, I had a feeling the biggest amount yet. He was in one of his best moods; and whenever work went well that meant more money.

I did my facials, and while I waited for the face mask to dry off, I painted my nails then picked around my wardrobe while my toe nails dried off.
I took some pictures and watched an episode of love and hip hop Atlanta while I waited for Mr. D to show up. By 3pm there was no sign of him. His number was back to unreachable status and I kept waiting to hear my doorbell ring 3 short times in the unique way he always rang it but by 4 I gave up and washed off the light make up and changed out of the lingerie into a more comfortable shirt and shorts over fishnet stockings.

By 5:30 a strange number called me. I was wary to pick up at first, Abobo had called me with a strange number just few weeks back, immediately I heard his voice I cut the call and added the number to the blocked list. Now, I let it ring until it became apparent the caller was quite persistent before I reluctantly picked on the 4th consecutive call. To my surprise I heard the high pitched voice that could only belong to Mr. D. I expected he was calling from some airport in the North but instead he surprised me; "Jess, listen to me, I want you to get a taxi and come down to the Bohemian Grove hotel, I'll be in the Pent house as usual. Be quick and discreet  oh! don't talk to anybody and make sure you bring your passport along. Hurry up and be here before 7"

"What, what's going on? I don't understa-"

I heard the soft click that signified the call had been disconnected.

Just what on Earth was going on? And what did he mean by 'bring your passport?' Mr. D was extremely spontaneous by nature and normally I'll be squealling with excitement at the recent development and rushing to go meet him, but for the strain I heard in his voice. He had sounded excited no doubt but also a little....concerned....no not that, he had sounded a little scared.

I spent 30 minutes engaged in a mental tug of war until at last I released a sigh and went to my room. I didn't emerge in different clothes or even freshen up my make up, I only grabbed my Fendi purse from the dresser. Part of me wanted to break up with him before I got involved in whatever it was he seemed to be running from. The second carefree and Adventure seeking side was prepared to travel with him to wherever.

I knew I had to see him first and whatever he told me would determine if I head back home or stay with him. So I didn't freshen up and make a fuss about my appearance in case I came back home in an hour. However I put my virgin passport in my purse.

The uber arrived under 5 minutes and I locked my apartment and headed for the elevator, fighting the uneasy feeling that my life was about to change.

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