R.E.E.D Geng

Chapter Two

One thing I loved about Abuja was the bustle of life at night, it could not be compared to Lagos where I did my NYSC but atleast, it was far better than Benue State where the night was a graveyard for those still awake. I turned up the music as Meek Mill's Going bad featuring Drake popped on the speaker. There was something about Drake...something about his sound and lyrics that hit a cord. He always fits in no matter what... Multi-talented and blessed were the right words.

Maybe I was jealous.

Maybe not.

I pushed forward from my seat before the steering wheel, making out raindrops on the wind sheld of the car. The drops of water caved paths on the glass, down to the bonnet. Each drop was followed by another in an assemble of liquid.

I exhaled as the drizzle sent chills up my body, creating a craving for my bed. Shutting my eyes, I visualized my pillow wrapped in its penquins of Madagascar sheet that always eased the ache on my head. It was my painkiller, just like music and driving.

With my eyes still locked, I  massaged my steering wheels and smiled. The leather of the rented Toyota Corolla was smooth on my fingers creating an urge for a speed test run. I wanted to know the car's limit.

I needed to know.

The need to know was a demonic possession that had my heart rate increased and my eyes burned with the fire of sinister determination as my hands moved to the car's key.

Not now Rose.

My eyes snapped open and I took my hands off the jingling keys. I gusted air letting my gaze rest on Sunrise hotel a few meters away. The seven-story building was a majestic one with the decoration of light that gave a funny feeling of a two-year-old toy house with trees standing guard.
Atleast, It was a toy house for the rich and prostitute fulfilling the fantasy of the hotel's owner, architect, and decorator.

Winding down the window, I welcomed the fresh breeze that suddenly became my third companion in the car. Being the pickup girl had a hitch, a long and boring wait that could render any human insane especially a twenty-four-year woman dressed in a black baggy shirt, a sweatpant, and a face cap that was a compulsory outfit.

Atleast no sunglasses tonight.

I turned down the music as light popped on my phone.

"Babes whatsu-"

"Find Debbie and go right now. Lizzy-"

"Fuck." The line went dead but her shaky voice remained,  echoing in my ears.

Something is wrong.

Nothing could go wrong, we planned this for over a month, nothing could ever go wrong. In fact, anything going wrong meant we were dead, all four of-

Lizzy.

"Dear God."

***✝***

The elevator moved like a snail, each floor forwarded in a sluggish pace that sprang regret in my heart from my decision to avoid the stairs.  I mean running up a seven-story building would've been a great means of burn fat and an excellent way to curtail my racing mind from the uncertainty that lay before us.

I snifted, dragging all the coldness I could take into my lungs as my brain rang red and my lips quivered. Debbie  strained her eyes on the floor numbers, observing the crawling speed of the elevator. She averted her eyes to me and gave what I believed was a smile. 

Tonight was our first red call, and even our backup plans didn't seem to fit. We were not sure what was going on in there, but I was sure Lizzy could handle herself.

I nipped my lower lips, pressing hard as I forced myself to believe everything was alright.

It had to be.

I took off my cap, letting my braids down my back.

"You know watin to do bah?" I inquired, silently thanking God we were alone in the elevator. 

"I don't know," she said, the crack in her voice was unmistakable as tears slid her cheek creating a trail make on   contoured face

"She is fine, don't cry." I fastened her hands in mine.  And welcomed the warmth I felt as she squeezed mine. "Remember, the plan is simple."

She nodded.

The plan was always simple.  Get the target, monitor the target, drug the target, get the pin, and voila!  Despite the fact chief was a politician, it was the same plan.

What really happened?

The ding! Of the elevator drew us back to reality.  Debbie adjusted the sleeves of her white chiffon shirt and pulled out her camera, ready to act. But as we stepped out of the elevator, my brow's ceased, Chief's guards were no where to be found and the door to the private suite was left opened.

She turned to me, her eyes were clouded with fear.  It's been a while I saw that in her eyes or the eyes of someone I loved.  In fact, it's been ten years I last saw and felt this amount of-

The moaning of the door caused my ears to rise and my feet to seize their responsibility as Debbie wrapped her hands around my arms.

"Do we need to go in there?"

"Debbie-"

"We could call the police."

"Just follow the plan... I am here with you," I assured, also letting my mind wander to that option.

I was scared...but I knew the police were useless, Besides we were not innocent kids...and the police were not our friends.

They never were.

She bit her lips and stared at the elevator while I whispered to my unknown forefathers, praying for some spiritual powers. We didn't have any weapons or know how to use any. We had no combat skills and the only time I acted violently was when I slapped my ex.

Her wet orb's pieced mine with a plea that my heart decoded. And at that point, I regretted not listening to my PHE teacher back in secondary school... I regretted not taking taekwondo classes in Benue state University's basketball court and I regretted being weak.

Debbie moved forward while I counted her steps. She nudged the door open and instantly stood cemented to the tiled hotel floor with eyes that shot from its socket.

I rushed to her side and felt my mouth explode with blood. Shattered glasses were on the floor next to the lifeless body of Lizzy and staring at us were two guns each wearing a welcoming smile.

***✝***

Authors Note
Hey guys... Lizzy here🤭

I hope you enjoyed this chapter... If you did, please drop a comment and vote! You can also share with friends, I will really appreciate it.

Thank you and see you'll in the next chapter.