Entranced 18+

Two

Madam Ini's office always reminded Ijeoma of a principal's office. Maybe it was how the older woman always had them stand while talking to her, instead of occupying any of the seats before her table.

"Good evening ma," Ijeoma greeted, bowing her head a little. When she looked up, she found Madam Ini smiling.

"Have a seat, Ijeoma."

Shocked, but maintaining her straight face, she sat. "I'm done with Chief Orji and Kay said you asked for me."

"Yes I did. I might have something important for you."

Ijeoma was instantly alert. There were not much things important to her at the moment, only finding out about her sister's death. When it came to her dealings with Madam Ini, only one man was important. She remained silent though, letting the old woman speak when she felt like. Madam Ini already said it was important, there was no need to seem desperate on top of it.

"Someone paid me a visit. He's looking for an escort to an engagement party. It's someone you have been waiting for."

"Mr. Azubuike," Ijeoma stated.

"Yes. I think seven years is enough time to wait, don't you?"

"Yes ma. But I can still wait some more if that's what you want." Of course she couldn't, but she had played this game a lot of times with Madam Ini, the woman loved power so much that contradicting her was something Ijeoma had never tried.

"You've never disappointed me, not even once. You're always so composed and know the right thing to say."

"Thank you ma."

"I think you're ready." She pushed an envelope towards Ijeoma. She stared at it, making no move to collect it until Madam Ini removed her hand from atop it. "I won't tell you how to go about this one, just follow the rules and be careful."

"Yes ma."

"His phone number is inside there. Call him tonight. He wants to meet you tomorrow to discuss everything. Payment has been made to me already and yours will be sent after the job is done."

"Okay ma."

"My secretary will send your payment for today's work."

"Thank you ma." Ijeoma stood up, understanding that she'd been dismissed.  She was already at the door when the sound of Madam Ini clearing her throat stopped her. She turned to see the older woman holding another envelope, this one much bigger than the one she was holding.

"In my hand is everything you'll ever need to know about Mr. Ejiofor. It has been carefully collected over the years and it could be yours for a price." She pushed a smaller envelope forward. "This one contains his home address, also for a price."

"How much?"

Madam Ini smiled, her resemblance to that of a wolf alarming. "The small one, I'd need you to do me a favor. Plant a bug in his house and car and you can get it."

Ijeoma remained silent, controlling her breaths. Was she going to go that far for her sister?

"This big one, ten million naira. And in case you were wondering, the big file has his home address."

She'd indeed been wondering. What she had in her savings account was exactly ten million naira, as if Madam Ini somehow knew exactly how much she had.  When she smiled, Ijeoma confirmed her suspicion. She didn't know how, but the woman knew.

"I'll arrange the money for you by tomorrow morning, ma." She nodded at Madam Ini and then left. When she was back in the dressing room, she let out the breath she was holding.