THE CO - WIVES

THE CO - WIVES

CHAPTER 23

Jacky's POV
After I left in a huff and left James stranded, I felt so bad. I could have at least listened to him. Why was I even playing hard to get?
My mind was so much occupied in thoughts.... Thoughts of how I was gonna make it up to James. I knew I was acting like a kid but what could you have done if you were in my predicament?
"Twaaaaffff!"
That's all I heard.
The boda  guy was lying beside me, in a pool of blood, his neck probably broken.
I could see the occupants of the car which had rammed into the boda charging towards us with a metal rod. We were lying down helplessly, and by the look of things, the boda guy wasn't breathing. I thought they were coming to help us but I was wrong. One glance at them made me realise that was not just a normal accident. It's like they wanted to confirm we were dead. I lay there motionless, waiting for their next move.
Suddenly, another vehicle came from the opposite direction and my assailants fled and got into their car, leaving us there helpless.
When I saw the vehicle leaving, I tried to shout for help but I couldn't. My voice trailed. I was becoming numb... Numb with pain. Darkness engulfed my inner self and there was black out.. Total darkness!
I woke up in an hospital bed, with someone caressing my hand. I was drifting in and off from coma. My head was bandaged and my left leg was plastered.
My hand was connected to a drip. I couldn't raise my head. It felt heavy. I was unable to recognise whoever was caressing my palm but I could tell they were female hands from the softness I felt.
I was beginning to recover my sight because I could only are blurry figures.
Before I could survey my environment better, I saw two masked people push the lady aside and one of them charged towards me. The Lady tried to protect me and she was busy struggling with one of them,  before they succeeded, the door was opened and a man in white got in. The guys saw him and they listed him aside as they ran to the door.
They were the guys who caused the accident. My heart was throbbing so hard against my chest and my breathing became difficult. That moment, I wished God would take that suffering from me once and for all.....
*************************
Days later, I wake up to see my mum sitting in my bed, caressing my hand.
Could she be the woman I saw fighting with my assailants?
No! That woman looked younger.
I could see a broad smile on my mother's face.
She rose up from the bed and exited through the door. A moment later, she came back with a mam in white, who smiled at me and called my name.
I tried to talk back but all that came out was a whisper.
The doc examined me keenly and removed the mask on my face.
My mum was grinning from ear to ear, thanking God for my life. I wished I was in a position to join her and thank God as well.
"Jackline, how do you feel now?"
"Awful!"
I managed to say.
"How long have I been lying here?"
"Just a week."
I sighed!
A week? That must be long! Oh poor me! I have been to hell and back!
The doctor removed everything connected to my body and asked me if I could feel my hands.
I tried to lift my left hand and it felt light, same to my other hand. I tried to lift my head but it was somehow heavy. By so doing, I felt drowsy, it's like I had inhaled lots of drugs.
The same procedure followed with my legs only to realise one was on a plaster.
The doc scribbled something on his notepad and left. My mum came to sit on the bed. I could see nothing but love in her eyes
A lone tear escaped my face and she wiped it with her hands.
True Definition of mother's love.
The doc had warned her about asking so many questions therefore she just caressed my hands as she asked me how I felt.
I could see she was struggling to stay calm. It was evident a lot of things were running through her mind. She had lost a lot of weight too. For once, I felt sorry for her. If I had listened to James and accompanied him in his car to the office. I would have been safe!
I was beginning to blame myself.
"Mum, how have you been? How's is Kim?"
Kim is my bro.
"Am okay dear, as you can see, James has been supportive as usual. He has been at your bedside all through."
One morning, mum hadn't arrived yet and I was just from the bathroom. The nurse had helped me to go to there.
I sat down on my hospital bed and as I leaned to lie down, I saw a note on the bedside stool.
Curiosity took over me and I picked it.
I unfolded it and whatever was written in there gave me goosebumps.
"A cat with nine lives.
We are watching you.
You know us.
If you dare expose us, your brother will die.
We know his school..
St. Brig mixed high!"
At first, I wondered what they were talking about.
Then the reality hit me. These are guys well known to me. They wanted me dead. What did I ever do to them yo deserve all these?
I swore to zip up only to save my bro's life. They meant business.
I knew for sure they were Jeff's and Diana's accomplices. What was their mission????

James kept on visiting with another guy whom I came to learn is the OCS. James always encouraged me to take my drugs so as to be out of the hospital bed. Whenever he came, he would cheer me up and I could feel myself recovering. He would bring me lots of gifts only to make me happy.
I always felt safe with him.
A week later, I was discharged and taken home by James and john the OCS.
I was surprised to find a guy in my house but James told me to relax because he was there to take care of me. I was still using clutches but the plaster had been removed.
"Relax dear, we have a lot of talking to do!"
The OCS assured me!
My mum prepared food for us and after we ate, the talking began.
" Jackline, your life is in danger. Please tell us anything you know which can lead us to your attackers. We need to arrest them and arraign them on court as soon as possible."
I fought with my mind whether to tell them or not. Ofcourse I knew them perfectly well. But again, Kim's life was in danger! My mum would be devastated if she lost any of her kids! No! Never!
I better die with the secret!
I was startled from my reverie by the OCS.
"Jackie, are you alright? Tell us anything we need to know do that we mat help you!"
He pleaded.
"I didn't see their faces. They were masked!"
I lied.
"Just be free to tell us. You are safe."
The gentleman we found in my house spoke up.
"I didn't see their faces. I can't lie when my life is in danger!"
I repeated furiously.
"Calm down sweet, calm down. We believe you."
James spoke.
Ever since I saw him in the hospital, I have been happier in his company. My mum had questions but she was reluctant to ask. I knew she was gonna be mad with me if she found out I had an eye for a married man but again, he must have had his reasons to pursue me.
"Jack here will be staying with you in this house. John and I will be visiting you more oftenly. Your mum will be here with you therefore you have nothing to worry about. Everything will be catered for. No going out Jackie until you recover fully. Okay?"
I nodded in approval.
James and john left, after telling me that he is just a phone call away.
I felt lonely despite mum being with me!