Vagrants

Chapter 15

We got to the hotel and Damba paid the driver and thanked him. We walked into the hotel and I felt uneasy when Damba had to bring out his ATM card to pay for the service. I looked around the hotel. It was so classy and beautiful. Why did Damba bring us to such place? I decided to ask.

"Why are we here?"

"To stay."

"No. Aren't there other hotels? This is too expensive."

"Are you the one paying for it?"

"No, but..."

"Then leave it."

I wanted to say something but the receptionist spoke.

"Here is the key to your room sir. Do have a nice stay."

"Thank you." Damba took the key from her as we were led up to our room by one of the attendants who had our luggage.

"This is your room." He said to us before leaving.

"So..." I took in the huge size of the room.

"So what?"

I fumbled with my fingers. "How did you pay for this?"

"With my ATM card."

Abi this one is a Yahoo boy?

"And how did the money get inside the card?"

"They're in my bank..."

"Don't worry sef. You are just acting dumb."

"I'm not acting- Wait, Are you trying to find out the source of the money?" He asked.

I shrugged.

"It's a business that..."

Yahoo business. Adeola run before you get in trouble.

"Yes, yes. Thank you."

I think Damba knew what I was thinking because he said...

"Se o ro pe mo n se yahoo?" Do you think I'm a yahoo boy?

"Ahh! No oh." I shook my head sarcastically.

"I know what you're thinking," He shook his head. "I could do anything to have my way but I will never cheat. I want you to know that."

I saw the sincerity in his eyes.

"I'm sorry." I sighed. "I just thought..."

"You don't have to." He walked away. "If you think too much, you would start getting wrong ideas."

He took off his watch, placed it on the table and was taking off his shoes when he said. "Don't you have to call your mother to tell her you arrived safely?"

"Oh yes." I reached for my phone in my bag.

"Please don't tell her we're in an hotel, I don't want her to worry." He put his shoes away and began massaging his toes. "We'll leave the hotel once they're back."

"Okay."

I dialed my mother's line and she picked after the first ring.

"Hello Maami," Mother.

"Ahh! Adeola. E ti de be?" You've arrived.

"Yes ma."

"How is his family?"

I turned to look at Damba who was taking off his shirt. "They're fine. Don't worry ma. I'm safe."

"I trust you." Mother paused. "Is his mother there? I'd like to speak with her."