Hard Man

29

"I love your nightwear, but I'd rather you wear it for my eyes only."
— General Babalola

The call of death was ringing hard in President Anini's ear, fraying his nerves and singeing his blood. As long as Mallam Shehu remained in the sick bed without help, he would continue to be pressured. He couldn't have that.
There was a knock at the door, and he sat up, hoping it was his visitor.

"Good evening, sir. They're here," a guard said, his head lowered.

"Good. Bring them in. Guard the door."

"Please, please," Fisher strained against the bonds tying him to the makeshift cross in the corner. "We can talk about this. Please."

"You're an underling, Fisher. I have no use for you anymore." These were the first words Anini said to Fisher since he had him bound and chained up. It was also the last words he planned to speak until the boss appeared. He didn't necessarily want to kill Fisher; he just needed him to draw out the boss. He didn't like to think of himself as a violent man, just one constantly forced onto the battlefield to fight and defend everything he held dear. And in protecting everything dear to him, he would descend to hell.

The door opened again, and the President narrowed his eyes at who walked in. The boss came in with a majestic aura; however, there was a trail of violence in the air that followed. The boss arrived with two people, a woman and a young girl.

"I have never seen you before," he said. "I assumed the boss would be someone familiar since I was actively involved in shutting down your operations five years ago."

"Oh, Mr. President," the boss laughed maniacally, their eyes deliberately avoiding the bound Fisher. "In our line of business, assumptions are very dangerous."

"How did you become boss?" President Anini asked with shock in his expression. "How are you related to the late boss, Onana?"

"I can't tell you, Mr. President. At least, not yet." The boss shakes their head. "But I must thank you." They rushed forward and held out their hand politely. President Anini shook it. "I've been struggling to continue the operation and spread our reach until you contacted us."

"Then why did you front Fisher as the boss?"

"I cannot tell you." The boss laughed again, causing goosebumps to rise on Anini's skin. Looking into the eyes of the boss, Anini saw death and unforgiveness. This one would be worse than Fisher a thousand times, but for now, this is who he must deal with.

"I only reached out to your organization because I need help," Anini said. He noticed the boss was still avoiding Fisher, who had gone extremely quiet despite hanging in an uncomfortable position. It was nice to know that there was someone Fisher feared terribly. "That's why I decided to draw you out. I want to deal directly with the boss."

"Well, I am here." The boss nodded. "And I will not refuse you anything because this organization means everything to me."

"Good. Good. Mallam Dauda is sick and needs a kidney transplant. Fisher has refused to take this up."

"No! No!" Fisher strained against his bonds, disrupting the meeting. "Please."

"He never told me that." The boss shook their head seriously, a blank expression in their eyes. "This is the first time this is coming to my attention."

"I discussed this with Fisher days ago," Anini said.

"Please, no!" Fisher strained. "Don't! Please!"

"He never told me. Apparently, he runs things himself, forgetting who raised a scoundrel like him to the top in the first place. This is the thanks I get."