In Cold Blood

Chapter Nine: Burial Rites

As early as 7.a.m on April 22nd 2015, activities marking the burial rites of Ajayi Richard commenced. That was the reality of the situation, but it was a bitter pill to swallow for the Ajayi's. Segun and Olu woke up early as security officers. They wished they were up early for a different ceremony. It was truly hard for them to come to terms with his demise. But they had to carry out their duties as security men in his residence.
"So it is true."
"Ajayi Richard is dead." Olu said
"My brother it is oh."
"Like a dream."
"But who are we to question God."
"May God grant his soul eternal rest." Segun replied.
As they talked, Adamu arrived and after confirming that he was the one, they let him in.
"Good morning."
"How was your night.?"
Adamu greeted and asked.
"Good morning Adamu."
"My night was not pleasant considering the issue at hand."
Segun replied.
"Same for me too." Olu added
"How is everyone.?" Adamu asked referring to the Ajayi's.
"Coping one way or the other I guess. Olu replied.
"This is painful." Adamu said as he sat on a chair by the security post. As he talked with them, Toju came out of the house and walked towards their direction.
Good morning Olu and Segun." To Adamu he said.
"Thanks for coming as scheduled."
"Today is the Vigil mass."
"You will accompany me to my dad's flower shop."
But I will see Father Paul at the parish house first before going there."
"Alright sir." Adamu nodded.
"After breakfast then." Toju informed Adamu. Within a short while, Gbenga also stepped out and walked towards them.
When he got to the security post, he gave an order.
"Adamu you will take me to the funeral home after breakfast." Confused Adamu said.
"But Gbenga...... He hesitated.
"What is it.?" Gbenga asked.
"I'm supposed to accompany Brother Toju to see the priest and get some items from the flower shop." Adamu responded. Gbenga looked at him and said.
"Now listen to me."
"You will take me to the funeral home first before running other errands.."
"I'm the first child."
"I should get priority first." He replied and went back to the house.
At 10.a.n Toju came out ready for his outing. He called out to Adamu who was confused on what to do.
"What is it Adamu.?"
"Aren't you ready.?" Toju asked.
"It is Brother Gbenga." As he talked, Gbenga came out and said "Adamu let us go." Adamu took a step confused on what to do. Then Toju said.
"Gbenga what is this about.?"
"I'm going out with Adamu."
"Well little brother, I guess you have to wait because we are going out now to check on dad's casket." Gbenga replied.
"But why the rush."
"We need the casket tomorrow for the funeral rites." Toju insisted.
"I don't have to listen to you Toju."
"I am older so you ought to respect me." Gbenga replied scornfully.
"Is that what this is all about.?"
"Why do you despise me.?" Toju replied.
"What I don't get is why you should take decisions without consulting me."
"You want to be in charge of everything."
"I do have a problem with that."
Gbenga replied furiously.
"You are just been childish Gbenga." Toju replied.
"How dare you.... He didn't finish the statement, when he heard Uncle Ade's voice saying.
"What is going on here.?"
"It is Gbenga trying to cause confusion."
"I'm supposed to go out with Adamu."
"I have to see Father Paul this morning as we agreed."
"And then to the flower shop to get the wreaths."
"I want Adamu to accompany me so he can drive."
"And now he wants to go out with Adamu as well."
"This will ruin my schedule with the priest and other arrangements. Toju explained.
After listening, Uncle Ade said looking at Toju and Gbenga.
"Is that why you are raising your voices.?"
"Today is your dad's vigil mass.
"Respect the dead."
"This is not enough to pull down the roof of this house."
"Now listen both of you."
"Today is your father's vigil mass."
"I don't want any unnecessary domestic issue." Looking at Toju he said.
"I will accompany you to see the priest."
"Don't worry, my driver will take us there."
"Alright uncle." Toju replied.
"Now go make yourself useful."
"And ensure your father's casket is ready for collection tomorrow." Uncle Ade said looking at Gbenga with a Stern look. As he left with Adamu, Uncle Ade said to Toju.
"Remember today is your dad's vigil mass."
"Don't get into any unnecessary argument with Gbenga."
Aunty Funmi Ade's wife put her hand on Toju's shoulder and said.
"Take it easy Toju."
"Ignore Gbenga and his behaviour."
"Today is your father's vigil mass."
"No argument or quarrels for his sake." Aunty Funmi's words gave Toju some relief .
"Thanks aunty." He said and they went back to the house.