SEVENTY-NINE

On Thursday morning, Nii reflected he might have rushed into this so-called BEN partnership a little too quickly. Maybe Emma had charmed him so much that he had lost his head? Technically, Nii should have told Ponsu about Emma so he could vouch for her by spiritual means. Ponsu would need to see a picture of her and fortunately Nii had snapped a selfie with her and Bruno. But with the all-important Godfather meeting looming that evening, the Emma question could wait a couple of days.

Like any major hotel in Accra, the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel where Bruno and Nii were to meet Godfather was already revving up for a weekend of parties, weddings, and conferences.

Beautiful people dressed to kill swarmed the lobby with its high ceilings and glistening marble floor. A live band accompanied the laughter and clink of champagne glasses. Bruno took it all in with envy keen as a knife. Look at all these people enjoying life.

“Come on,” Nii said. “This way to the lifts.”

They took one to the top floor where Godfather’s suite was guarded by an armed police officer.

“Good evening, boss,” Nii greeted him.

“Your identification,” he said, deadpan.

He looked at their IDs, and then up again at them before handing the cards back. “Remove your backpacks. Stand there, arms up and legs apart.”

He patted them both down, searched their packs, and when he was satisfied, he picked up his phone.

“Good evening, sir. Mr. Bruno and Mr. Nii Kwei here. Yes, sir.”

Bruno, nervous as the officer opened the door, quickly and surreptitiously checked his watch that the tiny LED video recorder indicator was on. The door shut behind Bruno and Nii and they took in the view. It was a vast room with a bar, dining area, and sitting room. The floor and the furniture gleamed. Bruno had never seen anything quite like it. The surroundings were impressive and overwhelming.

A baby-faced man in a dark suit appeared. “Good evening.” He gestured to the sofa in the sitting room. “Please have a seat. My boss will be with you shortly to speak to you.”

Bruno and Nii sat down meekly, almost not daring to move. A movement from the corner of the room caught their attention. A man, tall, well-built and bulky around his midsection, appeared. He wore glasses and a royal blue silk caftan with cream-colored pants. This was Godfather? Bruno didn’t recognize him. He and Nii stood up.

He sat opposite them without a word, and then raised his hand at the man in the suit, signaling he could leave. When the front door closed softly, Godfather looked at the two young men.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

“Good evening, sir,” they chorused. Bruno, sweating a little bit and still edgy, unobtrusively rested his left forearm on his lap with the watch aimed in Godfather’s direction.

“How are you, Nii?” Godfather said. “I see you have brought your protégé with you.”

“Yes please. This is Bruno.”

“High praise about you from Mr. Ponsu,” Godfather said to the protégé. “You are very dedicated and have shown a lot of courage in your rituals.”

“Thank you, sir,” Bruno said.

“But you know this is not the end, this is the beginning. Now that you are wrapped in spiritual power, you must use it to gain riches with the aid of Priest Ponsu and your mentor Nii. Do you understand?”

“Yes please.”

“You must follow the example of Nii Kwei, who makes a lot of money every day, every month, every year. Through Kweku Ponsu, I will monitor how well you are doing. Listen to Mr. Ponsu, do all his rituals as he tells you, and you will be showered with blessings and live well.

“I’m expecting great things from you. The consequences of failure are great. You can ask Nii about that.”

“Yes please.”

“One final thing,” Godfather said, “I think you already know that you don’t talk about anything that happens here to anyone outside. You do not speak about me; you do not mention me or describe me. If you do that, you will be sorry. My people are everywhere. You get it?”

Bruno’s heart was pounding. He felt a little sick. “Yes please.”

“Very good,” Godfather said. “I think you have something for me, not so?”

The two young men went into their backpacks and took out a bundle of cash each. There was a moment of uncertainty as to who should offer the money to Godfather first. Thinking on his feet, Bruno gave his share to Nii, who handed over the combined portions. That way, Bruno would have a clear video of the transaction taking place. They could produce multiple stills from the clip.

Godfather nodded and put the cash down on the table beside him. “Come, both of you. Kneel here.” They knelt before him and he touched their heads. “You are now both my sons. God bless you. You may go now.”

Bruno and Nii left in silence and closed the door behind them. The military officer and the man in the suit eyed them.

“We too, we need water to drink,” the suit said pointedly.

“By all means,” Nii said. He got out his wallet and gave them each a fifty-cedi bill.