Hard Man

26

"Do you want me to stop?"
    — General Babalola

The phone rang for a few seconds until Major Damola picked up. The General was pacing across the office and Mohammed couldn't wait to hear what the problem was, especially since the General always kept his cool and rarely broke character.

"Baba," MG Damola's voice was crisp and breathy, which wasn't a surprise since it was barely six an. "What's going on?"

"It's Fisher," the General said, causing Mohammed's heart to skip. "He's the one who killed Danjuma, and he's working for the President."

"What?" MG Damola screeched, the sleepiness leaving his voice. "That can't be. Wasn't it the President who set up the committee to fight them five years ago?"

"He wants something from them," Babalola said. "I need to find a way to get back into the committee so I can be privy to this information."

"Isn't Fisher just a thug?" MG Damola asked the question that was on Mohammed's mind. "The Head of that criminal organization was killed during the operation five years ago."

"He seems to have taken over. Either way, I know they're coming for me."

MG Damola was quiet for a few seconds and all that could be heard was his soft breathing. "Baba, you can't do this alone. You need my help."

"Yes." Mohammed was so happy the General didn't argue.

"I'll clear my schedule and be there. Do not start anything until I'm there."

When the conversation ended, the General sank on his chair and put his head in his hands. For the first time, Mohammed was privy to the tired man behind the mask. He had always seen the General as some type of god with insurmountable strength and power. However, right now, his entire demeanor screamed fatigue and frustration. Mohammed's heart lurched and he was grateful for Major Damola. At least, the General had that one person.

Mohammed prayed Major Dan's mission would end soon so he could also help the General out. At this stage, the man needed everyone around him to look out for him. The last time, he kept everything away from Major Damola and it almost cost his life. By the time Major Damola heard and came for his rescue, he was barely alive.

The organization they were fighting was a mastermind of greed and corruption. Now that the President was allegedly involved, it'll take more than it required the last time to put them down. Mohammed remembered Fisher, the deadly human weapon of the criminal organization. He was like a robot who only fed on the order to kill. The boss, Mr. Onana, had used Fisher to take care of everything and everyone in his way. When Babalola killed the boss, Fisher had disappeared with no trace. Now that he was supposedly back, what did that mean? Did he now lead the organization in Onana's absence? Why did the President involve himself in this? So many questions, but no answers.

"Prepare yourself," the General said suddenly. "We're going to the base today."

"Yes sir."
***

Des walked slowly down the stairs, reluctant to go into the kitchen because she knew Adeiza would be there. After yesterday's debacle with the General, she was unwilling to face him, but her stomach was growling with hunger. When she reached the living room, she tried to listen for any sound in the kitchen.  Her confidence returned when she heard only silence.

"Thank God," she murmured and walked towards the kitchen eagerly, only to freeze when she sighted Adeiza on the counter, watching a clip on his phone. He looked up and to her shock, a smile blossomed on his face when he saw her.

"Chioma!" He climbed down the counter and walked towards her excitedly. "So you've been in this house since?"

"Yes." Chioma smiled, drawn in by the excitement in his voice.