The gateman watched Amaka as she paced the compound, smoking. She stubbed out her cigarette, but instead of going up the steps and into Eyitayo and Gabriel’s bungalow, she lit another and continued to pace.
Gabriel was clearing dishes from the dining table when Amaka entered. ‘You just missed dinner,’ he said.
She had two boxes with her, a new iPad and a new phone. She set them on the table, sat down and slumped backwards in the chair.
‘How did it go?’ Gabriel asked.
‘I’m exhausted, Gabriel,’ she said. ‘I just want to go to bed. Where is Chioma?’
‘She had dinner with us. Eyitayo just took her in.’
‘In where? She’s coming with me.’
‘Amaka, we think you should stay with us till this thing is resolved.’
‘This thing? What thing? And what do you mean we?’
‘Eyitayo and I. I told her everything. We think it’s safer for you to stay with us till you can leave the country.’
‘Leave the country? For what? I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to stay and I’m going to get that bastard who killed Chioma’s brother, and I’m going to get Ojo and Malik. Ojo will not be governor of this state, whatever it takes.’
‘Even your life?’
‘Please, Gabriel, I can’t do this now.’ She stood up.
Eyitayo walked into the living room. She stopped at the doorway and looked at both of them. ‘What’s the problem?’ she asked.
‘She wants to go home tonight,’ Gabriel said.
Eyitayo walked over to Amaka, put her arms over her shoulder, and tried to lead her to a sofa. ‘She’s already asleep,’ she said. ‘I gave her a pill.’
‘Thanks,’ Amaka said. She eased herself out of Eyitayo’s arms, ‘but I really have to go home. Look at me. I can’t keep borrowing your things.’
‘Am I complaining?’
‘It’s not just that. Look, guys, I just really need to be in my own space so I can think.’
‘Amaka, they already threatened you. Do you honestly think they will stop at anything to stop you publishing those videos you took?’ Eyitayo said.
‘Gabriel shouldn’t have told you about that.’
‘Well he did, and I’m glad he did, because if he is ready to let you leave this house tonight, I’m not. Until you can leave the country, you’re staying here. It’s safer. Nobody will know where you are.’
‘My house is the safest place I can be right now. I’ve got armed police guards, remember?’
‘Shh,’ Gabriel said.
Eyitayo looked at him. ‘What?’
‘Quiet.’ He cocked his ear. They all listened.
‘Who’s she talking to?’ Eyitayo said.
‘Oh no,’ Amaka said. ‘It’s him.’
‘God will punish you for what you did, Kingsley,’ Chioma wailed into the phone. Tears streamed down her cheeks. ‘You will never know peace in your life.’
Amaka grabbed the phone from her hand. It was wet with her tears. She ended the call and tossed the mobile onto the bed. Chioma crumpled into her arms.
Gabriel and Eyitayo watched from the door. ‘I didn’t know she had a phone,’ Eyitayo said. She looked apologetic. Gabriel put his arm around his wife.
‘I’m taking her home,’ Amaka said. Chioma sobbed into her chest.