UNDER 168 HOURS [BOOK 1, 168 HOURS SERIES]

Chapter 7: In The Hands Of The Wicked

Alhaji Musa was about to go home when he turned Humaira. She was already sleeping in a chair she sat on, at the residence and immediately, he felt like having a touch of her again, but faked annoyance.

"Lydia! Who is this?! What is this filthy thing doing here? Haven't I told you not to allow anybody especially Alhaji Sanni Ahmad's children in here?!!"

Sighting him, she trembled with fear but tried to mutter up courage for the poor girl.

"I'm so sorry sir but she insisted to wait for you. She said her mother died and…"

Just then, Humaira woke up and rushed to him.

"Assalam sir, nice to meet you again." She greeted and faced him. "I've been trying your number since last week but you didn't pick, so I decided to come here today. I have something important to discuss with you sir."

"Okay! Okay!!" He cuts in, not wanting her to spit any of the secret between them.
"Follow me." He led her into his office and locked the door from behind.

"What is it you want Humaira? Why are you on my neck again? Haven't I settled you?"

"Sir…I'm so heartbroken. Just after you left that morning, the doctor called that my mother was dead. In the state of shock; I forgot to take the suitcase.''

"What?! You don't mean it!!" He fakes innocence.

"I know you must have an idea about this somehow, since you booked the room yourself. Haven't anyone called you recently about the suitcase?"

"What? No one called me! I thought you took the money away with you and… I'm shocked about hearing about your mum's death. I thought everything was settled with you and your mum already had a successful surgery! I mean…" He held her shoulders and offered her a seat. "Just sit down."

"What should we do now? I'm concerned."

"Come with me, let's file a complaint to the hotel management. I know they would definitely know about the money."

"Subhanallah!" He exclaimed taking a glance at this wristwatch. "It's already 7:00 p.m. I need to go home right now else? My wife would start suspecting."

"Okay, maybe tomorrow sir or before weekend. I'll accompany you sir, since I only have one week before resumption. Only you can help me out right now, Alhaji Musa." She begged.

"Okay, let's meet at Nicon Luxury within the week. Let's say…. Wednesday Evening, by 10:00 p.m and alone okay?

"Thank you so much, Alhaji. But… Why don't we go during the day instead of going at night sir…"

"Wait…Are you questioning me now? What are you saying? That I didn't help you enough or what?" He blurted.

"Please, don't misunderstand me sir. I mean… It would have been better if we visit the hotel during the day since the reason we're going there is just to collect the suitcase."

"Look here young lady!" He vexed. "I'm an active business man and a loyal family person at that. What do you expect? I have to squeeze my already tight schedules just to make time for you and you're saying it's better we go during the day… Who cares?!"

Humaira stared at him, speechless. She must have said something to annoy him.

"I don't fucking care about what you think?! I'm just doing this to help you just because your mother died. You're an orphan now! Don't dare mistake my kindness for foolishness!!" He warned.

"I'm so sorry sir… I didn't mean to annoy you." She muttered, bowing her head in defeat.

He rolled his red eyes at her and hissed. Then he went to open the door.

As if his mouth felt bitter, he murmured.
"Nicon Hotel, Wednesday Evening and alone. Else? Consider the business between us over." He rolled his eyes at her, disgustingly.

Humaira walked to where he was…
"Okay sir, I'll definitely come."
She muttered and walked out of his office.

Passing him again, his greedy eyes raked through her angelic figure.

"Come back here!" He ordered, putting his hand inside his suit's pocket and handling her a new #1,000 note.

Then he wore his usual crooked smile. "Your transport back home. And extend my greetings to Zee."

It was the first time Humaira ever heard him speak nicely.

"Thank you sir." She collected it and left his office.

***

09: 59 p.m

Wednesday Evening,

Humaira met him packed his huge black, Toyota highlander behind the hotel. She had been waiting for him about a minute ago, so they could go in together.

He pointed to her, indicating she should come into his jeep, so he took her inside. He was wearing an expensive looking dansiki (native wear) with a black, shiny shoe to match. Humaira was in her usual flowing gown and veil, wrapped around her body. He took her into a room he had booked for earlier that day and asked her to wait a bit, so he would discuss with the hotel manager personally on the issue. And she agreed.

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Author's Note

Total Words: 961

Okay, I know you guys were expecting a longer chapter but abegi! Manage this one for now. I can't come and kill myself o, jere! When I'm not Humaira.

Ehen! Back to Humaira's issue for my amebo pals...

Do you think Alhaji Musa is doing good for real or just acting up again? Would you have trusted him if you were riding humaira's boat? Share your views and thoughts with me, plzzzz...

Because the next chapter hold another mystery...

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Enjoy reading  and please, don't forget to press the tiny orange star ★ at the end of each chapter to notify me you've actually read it… So! What are we waiting for! Continue reading this story of family, adventure, mystery and plot twists and leave your comments.