CHAPTER SEVEN

I jumped out of the cab I ordered as soon as I got to the bar where I drank myself to stupor the previous night. I withdrew my car keys from my purse, and I half ran half walked to where my car was parked. I saw it in its sleek black majesty at the right side parking space of the bar.

I got to it and unlocked it. I was debating within myself if I should go, and ask the bartender if he saw a flash drive after I left the previous night, but decided the most logical thing to do was to check the car first.

I entered the car, and there it was, the flash drive. It was just lying there on the seat of the car. I breathed a long sigh of relief and snatched it off the seat. God does work wonders! I let out a low whistle and inwardly thanked God for small mercies.

Now, where do I keep this flash drive? The teddy bear would have to do for now. It's big and fluffy enough. Tade wouldn't suspect a thing. What reason would he even have to search the teddy bear? I decided the safest place was the teddy bear.

I started the ignition and put the car in gear. I drove out of the parking space and made my way home. I wasn't even challenged by security about confirming the ownership of the car. He just looked at me with one eye closed lazily, he was sleeping at his duty post in the early morning. So much for my car being safe!

I drove on and arrived home to see Tade sleeping in the bedroom. I didn't bother to wake him and just tiptoed to where the teddy bear was. I unzipped it and slipped the second flash drive inside after making sure the first one was safe and secure. I zipped it back up and returned it to its position at the foot of the bed.

I went to the kitchen and made coffee. I took two pills of aspirin just in case the headache decided to make a more serious case for me. I rinsed the cup and went back into the bedroom. I undressed and went into the bathroom to take my bath.

I finished and wrapped myself in a robe. I went back to the room to see Tade already awake and sitting up on the bed.

"I'm sorry darling. Did I wake you?" I asked wrapping a towel round my head on my wet hair.

He yawns lazily and stretches. "Yeah, you did. The sound of the running water woke me, but it's fine. I need to have my bath too. I feel really dirty."

I went to sit in front of my vanity mirror and began to rub my cream on my smooth body.

"I left some coffee for you in the kitchen. You can decide what you want for breakfast later."

He stood up, put on his slippers, and walked over to me. He placed a light kiss on my cheek. "Thanks for the coffee babe. I really need it."

"What are you going to do for the rest of the day?" I asked trying to devise a way to get him out of the house. The call I was expecting might come anytime, and I didn't want him questioning me on my movements again. I was already grateful he didn't remember to ask about the fuel pump I lied about. I would have had to tell more lies that wouldn't hold up under scrutiny in case he decided to check with the mechanic.

"Let's see." He says scrunching up his face in thought. "I have been thinking of staying in, and spending some quality time with you."

He wants to spend time with me? That's so not going to work. I might receive a call to come for another flash drive, and I don't want him getting in my way. I shook my head firmly."That's not going to work darling."

"Why is it not going to work? I realized I haven't been spending enough time with you lately. You have been such a good girl, I need to reward you with my presence. Don't you want me around?"He asks suspiciously.

I can't afford to let him grow suspicious. He might start to think I was cheating on him, and I can't have him monitoring my every move. That would just ruin everything. I needed to alleviate his suspicions quickly. I proceeded to cajole him. "How can you say I don't want you around? Of course, I do. I miss having you around so much it's driving me crazy. It's just that it would be selfish of us to stay cuddled up in the house with your friends in such a condition. You have to be there for them during this time. You should go to visit them, and monitor their progress."

"What can I do for them in the hospital? They are under the efficient care of doctors and nurses. Me being there won't change anything. Besides, they are both not my friends. One is my student, I was just showing care to her as a student I like. I don't have any special ties to either of them."

I could only stare at him as the lies roll off his tongue. Damn that man to the deepest pit of hell!"It's true darling. I am just saying it would do so much good for you to be there in case either of them wakes up. For instance, if that Eva girl wakes up, she might have information about her attackers, and might not remember when the police come. You would be in the best position to tell them, cause she would have told you while it's still fresh in her mind." I knew I was giving silly reasons and grasping at straws but, I needed him out of the house.

"I think I would like that coffee now. Can you get me a cup dear?"

"Certainly. I would be right back." I stood up and headed into the kitchen to get his coffee for him, as he proceeds to sit on the chair in the room.

I returned minutes later with a cup of coffee that I hand over to him, taking my seat beside him on the chair.

He takes a sip of it and sets it down on the table in front of him.

"You actually have a point. It's just that, they are not in the same hospital. How am I supposed to monitor them at the same time?"

I beamed brightly, glad that he was warming up to the idea. "That's simple, you decide who to stay with, tell the doctor of the other girl to call you if she wakes up. That way you can rush there in case she wakes up while you are gone. You can even shuffle your time among them. It's really not right for you not to be there for them." That should at least keep him busy for a long time I thought to myself.

He shrugs his shoulders. "You think that makes sense?"

"Sure it does. If I had a friend in that condition, I would want to be there when she wakes up. It would be difficult for either of them to wake up and see themselves in that condition. They need a familiar face to tell them it's going to be okay."

"You never cease to amaze me, woman. I would have thought you would hate something like that. I am not even related to either of them. It seems a stretch for me to be hanging around their hospitals. Asides that, they should already have their family members with them, what's my role?"

I quickly thought of something to say before he changes his mind. "You don't mind that. That's what friends are for. There's no reason for me to hate the idea of you going to be with your friends. I am human too, the situation is so unfortunate. I can't kick against something like that."

He picks up his coffee and takes another sip before setting it back down. "Who am I to argue with your sound logic? I guess my schedule for the day is lined up then. What about you? What are you doing for the day?"

I relaxed happy that I had succeeded in selling the idea to him. "Nothing much. I would just go grocery shopping, we are low on some supplies in the store. Asides that, I would be home all through." I had to tell him I was going grocery shopping in case he comes back home when I was out. I even planned to buy some groceries to further strengthen my lie. I know I am too smart for my own good, I just like covering my tracks well. Better safe than sorry.

"Makes sense. Do you need money? I think I still have some spare change lying around."

Typical of him, it's always about money to him. If only he was half as faithful to me as he gives me money. If only he could lavish his care and attention on me like he does his money, things would be better.

"Yeah, I actually need some amount."

"Alright then. I would drop my credit card for you when I am heading out. Just take whatever you need. I would use my spare."

I knew I didn't need money from him for groceries. I had more than enough. It just feels so good to collect his money and waste it on useless things. In fact, I was considering withdrawing money from his credit card to give a bonus to the boys working for me. Isn't that just cool? Using his money to give a bonus to the guys that messed up his girlfriends? It feels so good I just might do it. "Okay, babe. I would miss you today though."

"I know. I would miss you too. I am not leaving yet. I would be here till noon."

Noon? That works for me. The guys have only called in the noon or evening. I pray they stay in character. I would make sure he leaves the house as soon as possible."Thanks, babe. I like that." I moved closer to him and rest my head on his shoulder.

He in turn began to stroke my head, and sip his coffee.

We remained there for a while before he stood up to take his bath. I stood up too to get dressed. I had finished getting dressed and cleaning up the room when he came back dripping of water.

"Why are you cleaning up the bedroom yourself? Does the cleaning lady not come anymore?"

"She still does actually. I called her yesterday to confirm she's coming today. I just felt like cleaning the bedroom myself today." I replied knowing that the only reason I didn't want the cleaning lady in the bedroom was that I didn't want her accidentally coming across the flash drives in the teddy bear. I knew there was little or no chance of that happening but she might want to dust the teddy bears and notice something making sounds in it. I didn't want her snooping around my stuff, not at a time like this anyway.

"Suit yourself, babe. You obviously have anyway." He smiled at me before walking to the wardrobe to get his clothes.

I smiled back at him. "So, are you ready for breakfast now? You should decide what you want to eat before it's late. I have a movie I want to watch in the sitting room."

"Yes. You should get breakfast started. Just cook rice and stew with lots of fish. I would join you in the sitting room for the movie soon. I just need to finish dressing up, and reply to some emails."

I began to walk out of the room. "I would get breakfast started, and wait for you. We can watch the movie together."

"That's cool babe. Be there soon."

I left him in the room to get started in the kitchen.

He came out of the room about an hour later when I announced breakfast was ready. We ate and watched two movies together all cuddled up. I was able to get him out of the house a few minutes after twelve and began to anxiously expect my call.

I waited for a long time and didn't receive the call. I was starting to get worried that something had gone wrong when I didn't receive the call by evening when the phone rang. I picked the call and I was told to go and pick up the flash drive.

I went to the bar, got the flash drive, and was on my way back to my car when I got a call. I got angry with my self upon seeing the caller.

It was Efya. I have been so occupied lately that I forgot to call her. I was more or less the only family she had left and I promised to always be there for her. So, why have I been so consumed with vengeance that I didn't have time for my favorite cousin? I made up my mind to make amends and make it up to her. I picked up the call and was starting to apologize when I realized it was a different voice on the other end of the call.

"Who is this? Why are you with another person's phone? Please give the phone to the owner." I shouted at the voice on the phone.

"I am so sorry ma. It's Efya's roommate, Janet."

"Oh! It's you, Janet." I knew Janet very well. She's Efya's roommate and coursemate. They were not best friends but they were as close as roommates could be. So, why was she with Efya's phone?

"How are you doing Janet? Why are you with Efya's phone?" I asked panic starting to fill me. I knew how attached Efya was to her phone. She was practically obsessed with it. She always claims it's because of the blogging she does. She never gives it to anyone, not for any reason whatsoever.

"I'm doing good ma. I am calling to inform you that Efya has just been rushed to the hospital."

"What?" I shouted into the phone. "What's wrong with her?" I asked hoping it might be something as simple as malaria.

"I don't really know all the details. She was found abandoned close to the hostel after her lectures. The people who found her rushed her to the hospital and informed me. I thought I should tell you immediately. I am on my way there now myself."

I felt bile rising in my throat. I fought hard to hold back tears but was unsuccessful. How could something have happened to Efya? Lord, please don't let my cousin die. Efya mustn't die. She's too precious to me. I asked Janet for the address of the hospital which she gave me. I rushed to my car temporarily forgetting about watching and relishing the contents of the flash drive. I drove as fast as the traffic could allow me,  arriving at the hospital crying.

I entered the reception and saw Janet. We immediately hugged each other taking comfort in the other's sorrow. I asked her about Efya's condition but she didn't know as she just got to the hospital.

I approached the nurse at the reception and introduced myself. "Good evening please."

"Good evening madam." She responded.

"My cousin was rushed here a while ago. Her name is Efya. Please, how is she? Can I see her? What can you tell me about her condition?" I rushed off the questions not giving her an opportunity to respond one after the other.

"Calm down madam. Your cousin is actually here. She was rushed in here not too long ago. She's in surgery. Please, take a seat and wait for the doctor to finish up with her, she would be able to give you a better update of the situation. It would be fine." She said motioning for me to take a seat.

I almost shouted at her but I realized my shouting wouldn't help matters. I thanked her and went to seat beside Janet who was crying profusely. I sat down without saying anything to her. We both sat there in uncomfortable silence impatiently waiting for the doctor. I was lost in my thoughts for over an hour before the doctor left the surgery. What exactly was wrong with Efya? I wish someone would just tell me what's wrong with her. How could she have been found abandoned? Was she kidnapped? It took me a while to realize the nurse was talking to me. I was jerked out of my thoughts by her voice.

"Madam."

"Yes, I responded." It was clear she had been calling me for a while. I looked to my side and saw Janet was also lost in her thoughts. She obviously didn't hear the nurse too.

I jumped to my feet and approached the receptionist. "I'm here," I announced.

She looked at me and nodded sympathetically. "The doctor is out of surgery. She's ready  to see you in her office." She points towards a blue door at the end of the corridor.

I nodded at her and told Janet I would be back.

I made off for the doctor's office still lost in thought. I knocked on the door and was told to come in.

The doctor was a slim petite woman of about forty. She was seated at her desk, a kind smile plastered on her face. "Please take a seat, madam."

I approached her and took one of the seats across her. "Good evening doctor, I'm Efya's family. What's her condition please?"

"I am so sorry about the whole situation madam. It's really unfortunate." She responded shaking her head.

What was she saying? Doctors rarely ever say sorry except death is involved at least in this part of the world. Was Efya dead? It can't be. "What are you sorry about, doctor? Is my cousin dead?"

"No, she's not madam. You just have to brace yourself for the news I am about to give you."

I leaned forward in my seat frustrated from the suspense. She should just let it out already. "1Tell me, please. I don't have the slightest idea of what happened to her. The suspense is killing me. I can handle whatever you have to say. Just please, tell me."

She sighed and continued. "Your cousin was in really bad shape when she got here. From what I can tell, her left leg was broken with a heavy object. If I was asked to take a guess, I would say a mallet or a hammer."

"Oh God! No." I covered my face and stifled a sob. I needed to be strong for Efya. We would pull through this together.

The doctor leaned forward and patted my arm. "That's not all I am afraid."

"There's more?" Could it really be any worse? I nodded at the doctor to continue.

"Her right eye was also punctured with a very sharp pointed object. The most likely instruments would be....."

I interrupted her. "Punctured? I don't understand. You mean she was also wounded in the eye?" What sort of animals did this? What could sweet Efya have done to deserve all this? I am sure she didn't do anything. She is the sweetest and nicest being I know. This can't be happening.

"Let me just tell you how it is without mincing words. Your cousin is blind in one eye, I'm sorry. She's also never going to be able to use the affected leg anymore. It had to be amputated. The leg was crushed undoubtedly by hitting it with the said object many times. It's really a miracle that she survived. "She had lost a lot of blood and had fainted before being rushed here. This is the time for you to be strong. She's really going to need you now. We all have to be thankful for her life. It's up to you to make her realize her journey has not ended, it has just begun. Her disability doesn't stop her from achieving her dreams...."

The doctor droned on and I barely listened to what she was saying. I stood up and asked her the only question I could muster enough courage to ask.

"When can I see her?"

"That would have to be when she wakes up. She's under a heavy sedative. You should be able to see her briefly tomorrow. You can go home and come back."

"No, I would stay here until she wakes up."

"No problem then. I would ask the nurses to set up a bed for you in a room. She would be moved to a room tomorrow and you can see her. I am really sorry madam. She seems like such a sweet girl."

I thanked the doctor and left her office. I went to meet Janet to relay the bad news. I told her to go home that I would stay with her Efya.

She left reluctantly after crying her eyes out. I called Tade to give him the unfortunate news. He wanted to come down but I didn't want him around me. I told him to make it the next day as I would be sleeping in the hospital with Efya.

He agreed after spending about five minutes convincing him. I clicked off the phone and made my way to the room a nurse set up for me.

I didn't sleep a wink that night and tossed restlessly all through. I cried and cried till I couldn't anymore. I pray they catch the bastards who did this to my little cousin. I said a little prayer for her in my heart before going to sleep in the room that was prepared for me.

I took out my phone and saw lots of missed calls on it. I saw a strange number had called me twice already, and I remembered I was supposed to pick up a flash drive at the bar. I decided to pick it up the next day and went to bed. I tossed restlessly on the bed till morning.