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THE PRICE
My phone rang and I quickly reached for it from the front trousers pocket. It was a strange number. I cautiously picked up the call.
Hello, a rather heavy horse voice sounded at the other end. I replied by saying a calm word, hey!
How much is your Landcruiser V8? I answered the question as calmly as I could knowing the mentioned Vehicle costs a life's fortune. I said in a rather confident tone, One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. It is a nice and neat machine, Sir. It is a full house, a top-of-the-range version. It is a limited version, recently manufactured and the Odometer is relatively low. I went on to explain the Car details without giving chance for a conversation.
Then the voice on the other end said, Youngman, take it easy! You are talking to a well-informed man about those brands of Cars. I have 7 of the earliest models. I'm well vested in those machines.
I answered in an unconvinced tone, uh sure, Sir. The man in no time placed a demand to view the automobile. He went on to suggest a well-established private Hotel whose proprietor was a prominent local business guru and a seasoned drug Baron, as a meeting venue. I didn't waste any time after the phone conversation and I headed straight to Island 7 Degrees Roadside Mall. It is one of the modern shopping malls in the hillside country.
Driving at a relatively normal speed on a triple-lane highway I saw a fast-approaching Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon in Champagne colour. I became conscious and constantly looked in my rearview mirror as this immaculate automobile was fast approaching and in no time we were at par as we reached the second traffic light on the highway.
Not aware of what this sprinting Posh was up to. A left passenger's tinted window rolled down and a beautiful Brown girl appeared at the steering wheel with a broad smell and squizzed her left eye. I smiled at her and quickly turned to check on the traffic lights but they were still on a stop sign. She gave me a polite horn sound and a flying kiss. She rolled up her tinted window and the green light appeared and she sped off at an amazing and skilful speed. I went past the traffic lights and was wondering who she was. I didn't know her, I had never seen her before. She was a total stranger.
I continued down the highway to my destination. In no time I was entering the Shopping Mall's main entrance. The parking assistant showed me where to park but was suddenly stopped by another seemingly senior parking assistant who signalled me to park in the reserved parking, I was surprised at this gesture not knowing the man who called me was one of the associates of the owners of the Mall.
I parked and disembarked from the SUV. The attendant directed me to one of the Cafes directly opposite the VIP parking slots.
I was smartly dressed and was wearing a nice designer perfume with a unique fragrance. I was ushered into the Cafe and I was welcomed by a young lady who took me straight to the elevator and placed a button indicating 3rd floor. We were the two of us in the elevator and there was total silence. The lift stopped on the 3rd floor and I jokingly said, ladies first! She smiled and didn't utter a word. She got her prox card which was hanging around her long slim neck, she opened the extravagant aluminium glass door and there was a well-dressed guard in a Maroon Jacket, white shirt and dark blue trousers with a pair of black shoes and a cream-white baret and a Maroon and dark blue badge. He welcomed me and got his security chip and opened the executive door to the VIP lounge. The door shut behind me as the guard said, Sir, you can make yourself comfortable as the Boss will join you shortly.
I sat in the soft comfortable Zambian leather lounge suite and another Lady approached and asked me what I could take. I answered saying, no thanks, I'm okay. The lady smiled and walked away without saying a word. About five minutes later a huge tall dark man emerged from one of the four doors directly opposite where I was seated.
The same horse voice that gave me directions to the Mall sounded a greeting. Good morning my young man. I responded in confidence, Good morning Boss! How are you and your lovely family? He replied as he sat next to me, fine man!
Talk to me, he said, rubbing his palms together. Your price is on the higher side my guy, he continued. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars is too much money.
I'm serious and if you gave me a better price we can seal the deal in no time.
I responded as I made myself comfortable. Well, I'm pretty sure that you are well informed on these high-value vehicles as you said earlier.
Oh, yes I'm my young man. A brand new one costs about Two hundred thousand plus dollars. Can you make it One hundred thousand dollars?
As I was about to explain, He said never mind young man these vehicles are damn expensive can you help me with the formalities of registration?
I said, never mind about that, I will do that for you Boss.
He asked how I wanted my payments. Are you comfortable if I pay you in Dollars or Kwachas?
I responded Kwacha will be more convenient for me. The big man laughed as he stood up from the couch. Young man, a young man I will give you Twenty thousand dollars cash and the rest you will get your Kwacha.
He went into the Office and within a minute he was back with Twenty thousand dollars in his hands and a bottle of water. Here you are, my young man. Thank you so much Boss, I responded.
When can I have my Car and my white book? He asked as the guard was coming pulling a two-wheeled leather bag full of cash. As you asked my young man, I have decided to pay cash right away and I hope you will do a great job for me to register my Car.
The book and your Car will be ready in the next three hours. Do you mean three hours or three days? He surprisingly asked. Okay, that will be fine. How will you carry this cash? I will be depositing it in the Bank. Which Bank are you banking with? Zanaco, Big, Strong and reliable I jokingly answered. Let me call the Bank officials to come and do a transaction from here then. Are you sure? I asked. I own this Mall and it's easy for all my tenants to deal with me. By the way, My daughter is the one in charge of the management of the entire Mall. She is in charge of all my businesses. I will introduce her to you in case there is anything you may need, maybe an office space or anything, you know?
In no time a State Police Officer and a lady with two other gents from the Bank walked in. They quickly got down to do the transaction and the other two were counting the bundles of cash.
It took them no time to finish the transaction. I was grateful as I was relieved of carrying huge sums of money. I said my goodbyes to the big man and headed straight to the exit door. I was so excited to have formalized the deal as I made a huge profit out of it. The guard opened the door and I was right at the elevator. I pressed the button indicating down. I stood patiently waiting for the lift. The door opened and the girl I saw in the Mercedes Benz emerged. She was surprised to see me on these premises. She possed twisting her hips. Hey, handsome she said, holding her hands on the doors of the elevator. I replied with a stunned expression on my face. Hello!
My name Is Suez, but you can call me "Su " What is your good name? Caesar is my name. Wonderful, she exclaimed! What a wonderful name, she continued.
I like you, she went in as blunt as that. I saw you when you were getting into your Car in the CBD near Nkwazi Hotel, but I couldn't get to see you properly. You immediately stole my heart and that was the speeding your saw on the highway. My prayer was not to be stopped by the Traffic cops.
What are you doing here, by the way, she asked. I thought I will never meet you handsome. I came to see a client, I replied. Did it go well? She asked. Oh, yes it did.
Oh, you are wearing nice perfume by the way! Where did you get that genuine Cologne? I just smile at her and begged her to give way.
Are you going to answer me Mr Handsome or not? If you won't answer me I will not move from the entrance, she demanded.
Okay, has it reached that far? I asked. Yes, it is either you answer or you won't go.
I smiled and said, you have a small slim body and the only big thing on you are your hips, do think you can challenge me?
She dared as she said, try it Mr Handsome. I was shy and asked if she can allow me to pass.
She insisted on the answer. I said, okay Princess, I will tell you, your Majesty. She was happy to be addressed as her loyal Highness.
Oh, really! I'm I a princess?
I said, yes your Highness, you are worthy of the title.
She gave me a low sexy face and said thank you handsome, my Prince.
She went on to demand the name of the perfume and where I got it.
I said I thought your demands were over! She said NO, My Prince.
I said okay I will tell you, my Princess.
I got this scent from the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular. The name is Vanille Antique.
Okay, and how much is a bottle?
It is about 1,330 U$D a bottle.
She said, handsome, you are smelling nice.
I said thank you so much. Can I go now? She said, no, Sir. Not yet. Looking straight into my eyes. I'm inviting you for dinner tonight.
8 pm prompt! Here is my card. Can I have your card, my Prince? She went on to say thank you even before I reached out to get my card.
I gave her the card and she said I will call to come and pick you up.
Remember the 8 pm prompt. Dress to kill! I smiled and got into the elevator. Thoughts started triggering in my mind, Who the girl was and what she was up to. I went down to where I parked the SUV.
I was happy the deal went through, but questions about the beautiful girl came as thick as never before. I drove down the highway listening to my favourite music jams on an extra increased volume.
It was a tough time as I kept on asking questions which had no answers.
I reached my destination but my mind couldn't concentrate so much.
When I reached my operating spot, I parked the car and called the guy who helps me with motor vehicle registrations. The phone rang and Martin answered, but there was silence on my part as I lost control and forgot I made the call. Martin called back and asked me if everything was right. I said I'm okay my guy. He said I'm surprised you called but couldn't say anything, only the music was very loud. I apologized to him and ordered him to come and start the registration of the V8. He was happy and shouted, big man, have you sold? Yes, Martin, I have.
He said I can not come there as I have all the documentation of the V8. It is just a matter of submitting them and getting the White Book. I will be there in the next 30 minutes or so. I'm asking for the client's details, his mobile number and his National Registration Photocopy.
I sent the details to him immediately and did a mobile money transfer to Martin almost immediately. He replied with an emoji expressing thanks and joy and said, see you in an hour or two as International Police Clearance and other formalities were done beforehand.
As I hanged Martin's call, a message on my WhatsApp popped up. It was a strange number. Hey, handsome, did you move well? Make sure you take care of yourself because I love you!
I read the message without opening it to show the blue ticks to the sender. She was wondering if I have seen the message or not. I kept it that way as I wanted to keep my emotions in check.
I sat in the Car confused as to what was happening as the events surrounding me and the beautiful girl were unfolding so quickly. I looked at my phone and was tempted to reply to the message but my inner being stopped me from doing so. I couldn't feel that happiness of striking a big deal, that of making a huge profit. I made a profit of about 100% but that joy was not there as I was overwhelmed by this strange stunning beautiful girl.
Holding my phone in my hands not knowing what to do, another love message popped up.
Ceaser my love 💕 I know you have seen my message but you don't just want to answer me. Anyway, maybe I'm too fast. But my heart is stolen by your handsome appearance dude! " I have never believed in, " Love 😍 at first glance, but today this has happened to me and I can not hold myself! I hope I'm not a bother!
Lost in love ❤️!
I was under extreme pressure because I had also fallen for the girl but didn't want to show signs of desperation.
I kept my emotions in check and didn't open my WhatsApp to show the sender the indicator that I have seen the messages.
As I was completely lost in thinking about the ebony and coming closer to replying to the messages, my phone rang and somebody was calling to enquire about the Cars we have in stock, the conversation rather lasted for quite some time and Martin was trying to get in touch and many other calls came through but I had put my phone on call wait. There were about 15 calls in total that came through. So I had the task to start returning the calls one by one.
I hanged and immediately Martin's call rang and he jokingly said, you sell the V8 and now you are calling the whole Village to come and eat with you? You know the witches and wizards you have in your Village, dare not invite them! They will finish you! We laughed and he said he was done with the registration and wanted the car so that he can fit the number plate license and other licenses.
I said I will be there in no time. I started the engine and drove about 6 kilometres to where Martin was. I called the owner to tell him that I was done with the registration of the Motor Vehicle. He didn't pick up the call as it went unanswered. I didn't call the second time. A few minutes later he called and gave out the number of his daughter instructing me to go and drop the Vehicle off with her. I assured him of doing just that. He asked if all the licenses were fitted on the Vehicle. I replied, yes, Sir.
Suez was not expecting my call and her father did give her the information about me dropping the car with her. I picked up my phone and called her.
The phone rang only once and she picked up and said, you have finally called! I asked, what do you mean? She said, so you mean you didn't see my messages? I pretended not to have seen them and expressed total ignorance. No, I haven't seen any message of any sort. I'm calling you in connection with dropping the car with you. Daddy instructed me to drop the Car with you.
She asked, Where are you? I'm in Town heading to the Mall, I replied. I'm not at the Mall. I'm heading to the International Airport to pick up Mom. I will take some time. Can you come to the Airport? I said no problem I will be there in no time. I arrived at the airport and I gave her a call. She told me to drive to the Hotel next to the airport. I went straight to the Car park and parked next to her Car. I was walking towards the reception when I heard someone calling me. I turned and saw a gentleman standing by the poolside Bar. Hey, he shouted, You are been called by a lady sitting in the VIP lounge. I turned and headed straight to the Poolside Bar, then into a VIP lounge. Suez was there sitting next to a well-dressed young man in a pair of designer Jeans and round neck skipper and designer windbreaker, with a nice pair of sneakers.
She stood up and flew herself on me. She gave me a side pek. She firmly held my hand and together went to where this gentleman was seated. The gentleman was well-cultured, stood up and greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile.
Suez went on to introduce me, please meet Ceaser, my beloved boyfriend. Ceaser, my young brother Sammy as she happily introduced. He is my immediate junior brother. We are 3, two boys, and one girl. Sonny is not here, I have been trying to contact him but he has not picked up any of my calls since morning.
Meanwhile, there was breaking News in the city of a notorious drug dealer making a daring escape from law enforcement officers.
News Caster: A NOTORIOUS drug dealer has leisurely strolled out of the Law Drug Enforcement headquarters after he pulled out a Russian military Pistol during interrogation and sent officers scampering for life.
According to Law Enforcement insiders, the drug dealer, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, had been on the Commission's most wanted list for some time.
Following a tip-off from the members of the public, the officers managed to catch up with the drug baron in the City's bottleneck traffic but the experienced criminal managed to run off on foot, leaving his pursuers only with his motor vehicle full of marijuana along with an AK 47 magazine loaded with ammunition.
Determined to cage their client, The Law Enforcement Squad enlisted the help of a lone Police Officer who was keeping an eye on a nearby Bank, they managed to track the drug dealer and convinced him to go with him to the Drug Enforcement offices, saying they were ready to hand him back his vehicle because it was gotten as a result of mistaken identity.
However, once he arrived at the DEC headquarters the ex-convict was ushered into an interrogation room where he was quizzed for several minutes.
The interrogation ended with a decision to arrest the drug dealer but as officers got up to handcuff him, he pulled out a Russian military 9-millimetre pistol and threatened to make an announced appointment with their creator.
The brave but criminal stunt from the ex-convict triggered bedlam amongst the officers who tripped over each other as they ran from the scene to prolong their life expectancy while others, like cats, squeezed themselves out of the tiny windows of the interrogation room. It was cumbersome to say the list!
With no one to stop him, the ex-convict then assisted himself to the door and majestically walked out of DEC headquarters and stopped a car on Government Road that carried him in the direction of the Specialised Hospital.
Not ready to let the suspect get away that easily, one DEC officer summoned some Dutch courage, jumped on a vehicle and gave chase.
Upon noticing that he was being trailed, the cheeky criminal opened fire at the officer, puncturing his tyres and perforating his car with bullets while frightened passersby around the Specialised Hospital area dived to the ground for cover.
The DEC officer shot back a few times before running out of ammunition.
With no more bullets for the showdown, the courage to continue pursuing the criminal was abandoned by the DEC officer, although he was left with enough energy and strength to sprint into a blistering Commonwealth Games-kind of the sprint to save his cherished life.
In the process of the Olympic-kind of running, the DEC officer dropped his pistol which was picked by the criminal before he vanished from the scene.
After assessing the situation, cautious police officers from a nearby Police Station who were called in to reinforce their confidantes arrived and tolled off the punctured vehicle and parked it at the Station.
There has been no statement from the DEC or police on the matter and the victorious criminal remains at large.
All the Officers have is a bullet-ripped vehicle. The bullet-riddled vehicle driven by the DEC officer parked at the Police Station
When a special squared from the Office of the President came on the scene and enquired about the event, they gathered information that the same culprit was once an Officer in the Army.
The special square knew the kind of man they were dealing with when they were told the names of the criminal. They narrated how he save the nation when it was threatened by a coup De te.
He was one of the most skilful amongst the Soldiers who thwart the coup. He is held in the highest esteem amongst Army Officers because of his special set of skills.
He was in the company of an Army General that saved the nation from the possible tyranny of military rule, and who sacrificed his life for the sake of the nation.
On the fateful night of the coup attempt on 28th October 1997, soldiers stormed the compound of the Army Commander, but the alert Soldier got his boss and promptly escaped leaving the general's family behind.
He and 5 other Soldiers managed to get the Gen and sneaked out of the house when the renegade soldiers stormed the compound.
The coup plot, led by Captain Solo and Capt. Saka was to raid and capture the Gen. from his home and hoped to take him to nation studios and force him to broadcast a message to the nation that the Army had taken over the country.
But it was not to be as the Gen. proved his capabilities and escaped by jumping off a scaled security perimeter wall.
The mutineers searched for him in the house but couldn't find him. They held his family and the remaining Soldier guards hostage and settled on a private bar full of beer, on which the mutineers got drunk and lost valuable time.
This was four days after the Country celebrated 33 years of independence.
The country woke up on the morning of 28 October 1997 to hear what many later described as a drunken-sounding voice announcing the overthrow of the democratically elected Government.
A soldier, Identifying himself as "Captain Solo", claimed to speak on behalf of what they called a "National Redemption Council" whose intention was "saving our nation from total collapse".
Captain Solo said he was running "Operation Born Again"!
Earlier, the soldiers broke into an arms depot, assaulted army officers and then proceeded to the Mass Media Complex.
The group had split into three. A band of soldiers drove BRDMs armoured military vehicles to capture national studios while another band of soldiers proceeded to attack the residence of the Army commander and the other was right at the Presidential residence.
That second group was led by Captain Saka, who failed to find the commander and instead took hostage his family members and other officers.
In his radio broadcasts that began shortly after 06;00hrs, Captain Solo declared the constitution suspended, a political activity banned, and all airports closed.
He demanded that the President
surrendered by 09;00hrs and claimed that he had troops surrounding the State House.
During his rambling three-hour broadcast Capt. Solo jotted down a list of those he wanted to serve in his administration.
It's the Gen's escape that saved the day. He raised the early alarm, rousing a commando unit of troops from the West of the City that drove into CBD and quelled the coup attempt.
By 8;00hrs in the morning there was silence on the airwaves. Some of the mutinous soldiers at the radio station stripped off their army fatigues and ran away.
Others barricaded themselves in the radio station's offices. A few tried to resist a commando unit but were quickly overwhelmed.
Captain Solo and 15 other soldiers were immediately arrested, and at least one of the rebel soldiers was fatally shot in the fighting as the troops loyal to the Government President regained control of the mass media complex and shot shoots of victory in the air.
By 8:36 am, a lieutenant colonel announced to the nation over the radio that the Government was in control and that a set of indiscipline soldiers were captured and that all culprits involved would be arrested.
A tv crew later filmed and broadcast the image of Captain Solo lying on the ground as soldiers stamped on his chest.
It had taken about three hours to suppress the coup attempt.
The security forces began a sweep of those who had fled, nabbing four soldiers who had fled in the Gen,s official car.
Two others were soon discovered near the radio station after school children spotted them in their hiding place.
On the same day as the coup attempt, the President made two national addresses on television and radio to reassure the nation that he was firmly in control, that his government’s legal, political and economic programs would continue as usual, and that citizens should go about their business as normal.
He made a special appeal to investors, saying the country was stable and long-term investment was safe.
After holding a special Cabinet Meeting on 29th October 1997, in which the Cabinet discussed how best to handle the investigation of the coup attempt, the President declared a state of emergency.
This saw the arrest of a total of 54 soldiers. Later political leaders including the former President and political giants and others were detained and implicated in the coup.
On 2nd December 1997, the President dropped his Vice President in a major cabinet reshuffle in which he also demoted a strongman in the system and redeployed Army Gen. into the foreign service.
The president also announced the retirement of Air Force commander Gen.
The President who announced these changes at a State House press conference said the measures were not necessarily connected to the failed coup of 28th October.
The Special Squad remembered the said soldier and cautioned the Police to handle him with care as the said soldier is highly skilful and dangerous.
© Enock Publishers
Hello, a rather heavy horse voice sounded at the other end. I replied by saying a calm word, hey!
How much is your Landcruiser V8? I answered the question as calmly as I could knowing the mentioned Vehicle costs a life's fortune. I said in a rather confident tone, One hundred and twenty thousand dollars. It is a nice and neat machine, Sir. It is a full house, a top-of-the-range version. It is a limited version, recently manufactured and the Odometer is relatively low. I went on to explain the Car details without giving chance for a conversation.
Then the voice on the other end said, Youngman, take it easy! You are talking to a well-informed man about those brands of Cars. I have 7 of the earliest models. I'm well vested in those machines.
I answered in an unconvinced tone, uh sure, Sir. The man in no time placed a demand to view the automobile. He went on to suggest a well-established private Hotel whose proprietor was a prominent local business guru and a seasoned drug Baron, as a meeting venue. I didn't waste any time after the phone conversation and I headed straight to Island 7 Degrees Roadside Mall. It is one of the modern shopping malls in the hillside country.
Driving at a relatively normal speed on a triple-lane highway I saw a fast-approaching Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon in Champagne colour. I became conscious and constantly looked in my rearview mirror as this immaculate automobile was fast approaching and in no time we were at par as we reached the second traffic light on the highway.
Not aware of what this sprinting Posh was up to. A left passenger's tinted window rolled down and a beautiful Brown girl appeared at the steering wheel with a broad smell and squizzed her left eye. I smiled at her and quickly turned to check on the traffic lights but they were still on a stop sign. She gave me a polite horn sound and a flying kiss. She rolled up her tinted window and the green light appeared and she sped off at an amazing and skilful speed. I went past the traffic lights and was wondering who she was. I didn't know her, I had never seen her before. She was a total stranger.
I continued down the highway to my destination. In no time I was entering the Shopping Mall's main entrance. The parking assistant showed me where to park but was suddenly stopped by another seemingly senior parking assistant who signalled me to park in the reserved parking, I was surprised at this gesture not knowing the man who called me was one of the associates of the owners of the Mall.
I parked and disembarked from the SUV. The attendant directed me to one of the Cafes directly opposite the VIP parking slots.
I was smartly dressed and was wearing a nice designer perfume with a unique fragrance. I was ushered into the Cafe and I was welcomed by a young lady who took me straight to the elevator and placed a button indicating 3rd floor. We were the two of us in the elevator and there was total silence. The lift stopped on the 3rd floor and I jokingly said, ladies first! She smiled and didn't utter a word. She got her prox card which was hanging around her long slim neck, she opened the extravagant aluminium glass door and there was a well-dressed guard in a Maroon Jacket, white shirt and dark blue trousers with a pair of black shoes and a cream-white baret and a Maroon and dark blue badge. He welcomed me and got his security chip and opened the executive door to the VIP lounge. The door shut behind me as the guard said, Sir, you can make yourself comfortable as the Boss will join you shortly.
I sat in the soft comfortable Zambian leather lounge suite and another Lady approached and asked me what I could take. I answered saying, no thanks, I'm okay. The lady smiled and walked away without saying a word. About five minutes later a huge tall dark man emerged from one of the four doors directly opposite where I was seated.
The same horse voice that gave me directions to the Mall sounded a greeting. Good morning my young man. I responded in confidence, Good morning Boss! How are you and your lovely family? He replied as he sat next to me, fine man!
Talk to me, he said, rubbing his palms together. Your price is on the higher side my guy, he continued. One hundred and twenty thousand dollars is too much money.
I'm serious and if you gave me a better price we can seal the deal in no time.
I responded as I made myself comfortable. Well, I'm pretty sure that you are well informed on these high-value vehicles as you said earlier.
Oh, yes I'm my young man. A brand new one costs about Two hundred thousand plus dollars. Can you make it One hundred thousand dollars?
As I was about to explain, He said never mind young man these vehicles are damn expensive can you help me with the formalities of registration?
I said, never mind about that, I will do that for you Boss.
He asked how I wanted my payments. Are you comfortable if I pay you in Dollars or Kwachas?
I responded Kwacha will be more convenient for me. The big man laughed as he stood up from the couch. Young man, a young man I will give you Twenty thousand dollars cash and the rest you will get your Kwacha.
He went into the Office and within a minute he was back with Twenty thousand dollars in his hands and a bottle of water. Here you are, my young man. Thank you so much Boss, I responded.
When can I have my Car and my white book? He asked as the guard was coming pulling a two-wheeled leather bag full of cash. As you asked my young man, I have decided to pay cash right away and I hope you will do a great job for me to register my Car.
The book and your Car will be ready in the next three hours. Do you mean three hours or three days? He surprisingly asked. Okay, that will be fine. How will you carry this cash? I will be depositing it in the Bank. Which Bank are you banking with? Zanaco, Big, Strong and reliable I jokingly answered. Let me call the Bank officials to come and do a transaction from here then. Are you sure? I asked. I own this Mall and it's easy for all my tenants to deal with me. By the way, My daughter is the one in charge of the management of the entire Mall. She is in charge of all my businesses. I will introduce her to you in case there is anything you may need, maybe an office space or anything, you know?
In no time a State Police Officer and a lady with two other gents from the Bank walked in. They quickly got down to do the transaction and the other two were counting the bundles of cash.
It took them no time to finish the transaction. I was grateful as I was relieved of carrying huge sums of money. I said my goodbyes to the big man and headed straight to the exit door. I was so excited to have formalized the deal as I made a huge profit out of it. The guard opened the door and I was right at the elevator. I pressed the button indicating down. I stood patiently waiting for the lift. The door opened and the girl I saw in the Mercedes Benz emerged. She was surprised to see me on these premises. She possed twisting her hips. Hey, handsome she said, holding her hands on the doors of the elevator. I replied with a stunned expression on my face. Hello!
My name Is Suez, but you can call me "Su " What is your good name? Caesar is my name. Wonderful, she exclaimed! What a wonderful name, she continued.
I like you, she went in as blunt as that. I saw you when you were getting into your Car in the CBD near Nkwazi Hotel, but I couldn't get to see you properly. You immediately stole my heart and that was the speeding your saw on the highway. My prayer was not to be stopped by the Traffic cops.
What are you doing here, by the way, she asked. I thought I will never meet you handsome. I came to see a client, I replied. Did it go well? She asked. Oh, yes it did.
Oh, you are wearing nice perfume by the way! Where did you get that genuine Cologne? I just smile at her and begged her to give way.
Are you going to answer me Mr Handsome or not? If you won't answer me I will not move from the entrance, she demanded.
Okay, has it reached that far? I asked. Yes, it is either you answer or you won't go.
I smiled and said, you have a small slim body and the only big thing on you are your hips, do think you can challenge me?
She dared as she said, try it Mr Handsome. I was shy and asked if she can allow me to pass.
She insisted on the answer. I said, okay Princess, I will tell you, your Majesty. She was happy to be addressed as her loyal Highness.
Oh, really! I'm I a princess?
I said, yes your Highness, you are worthy of the title.
She gave me a low sexy face and said thank you handsome, my Prince.
She went on to demand the name of the perfume and where I got it.
I said I thought your demands were over! She said NO, My Prince.
I said okay I will tell you, my Princess.
I got this scent from the United Arab Emirates and Dubai in particular. The name is Vanille Antique.
Okay, and how much is a bottle?
It is about 1,330 U$D a bottle.
She said, handsome, you are smelling nice.
I said thank you so much. Can I go now? She said, no, Sir. Not yet. Looking straight into my eyes. I'm inviting you for dinner tonight.
8 pm prompt! Here is my card. Can I have your card, my Prince? She went on to say thank you even before I reached out to get my card.
I gave her the card and she said I will call to come and pick you up.
Remember the 8 pm prompt. Dress to kill! I smiled and got into the elevator. Thoughts started triggering in my mind, Who the girl was and what she was up to. I went down to where I parked the SUV.
I was happy the deal went through, but questions about the beautiful girl came as thick as never before. I drove down the highway listening to my favourite music jams on an extra increased volume.
It was a tough time as I kept on asking questions which had no answers.
I reached my destination but my mind couldn't concentrate so much.
When I reached my operating spot, I parked the car and called the guy who helps me with motor vehicle registrations. The phone rang and Martin answered, but there was silence on my part as I lost control and forgot I made the call. Martin called back and asked me if everything was right. I said I'm okay my guy. He said I'm surprised you called but couldn't say anything, only the music was very loud. I apologized to him and ordered him to come and start the registration of the V8. He was happy and shouted, big man, have you sold? Yes, Martin, I have.
He said I can not come there as I have all the documentation of the V8. It is just a matter of submitting them and getting the White Book. I will be there in the next 30 minutes or so. I'm asking for the client's details, his mobile number and his National Registration Photocopy.
I sent the details to him immediately and did a mobile money transfer to Martin almost immediately. He replied with an emoji expressing thanks and joy and said, see you in an hour or two as International Police Clearance and other formalities were done beforehand.
As I hanged Martin's call, a message on my WhatsApp popped up. It was a strange number. Hey, handsome, did you move well? Make sure you take care of yourself because I love you!
I read the message without opening it to show the blue ticks to the sender. She was wondering if I have seen the message or not. I kept it that way as I wanted to keep my emotions in check.
I sat in the Car confused as to what was happening as the events surrounding me and the beautiful girl were unfolding so quickly. I looked at my phone and was tempted to reply to the message but my inner being stopped me from doing so. I couldn't feel that happiness of striking a big deal, that of making a huge profit. I made a profit of about 100% but that joy was not there as I was overwhelmed by this strange stunning beautiful girl.
Holding my phone in my hands not knowing what to do, another love message popped up.
Ceaser my love 💕 I know you have seen my message but you don't just want to answer me. Anyway, maybe I'm too fast. But my heart is stolen by your handsome appearance dude! " I have never believed in, " Love 😍 at first glance, but today this has happened to me and I can not hold myself! I hope I'm not a bother!
Lost in love ❤️!
I was under extreme pressure because I had also fallen for the girl but didn't want to show signs of desperation.
I kept my emotions in check and didn't open my WhatsApp to show the sender the indicator that I have seen the messages.
As I was completely lost in thinking about the ebony and coming closer to replying to the messages, my phone rang and somebody was calling to enquire about the Cars we have in stock, the conversation rather lasted for quite some time and Martin was trying to get in touch and many other calls came through but I had put my phone on call wait. There were about 15 calls in total that came through. So I had the task to start returning the calls one by one.
I hanged and immediately Martin's call rang and he jokingly said, you sell the V8 and now you are calling the whole Village to come and eat with you? You know the witches and wizards you have in your Village, dare not invite them! They will finish you! We laughed and he said he was done with the registration and wanted the car so that he can fit the number plate license and other licenses.
I said I will be there in no time. I started the engine and drove about 6 kilometres to where Martin was. I called the owner to tell him that I was done with the registration of the Motor Vehicle. He didn't pick up the call as it went unanswered. I didn't call the second time. A few minutes later he called and gave out the number of his daughter instructing me to go and drop the Vehicle off with her. I assured him of doing just that. He asked if all the licenses were fitted on the Vehicle. I replied, yes, Sir.
Suez was not expecting my call and her father did give her the information about me dropping the car with her. I picked up my phone and called her.
The phone rang only once and she picked up and said, you have finally called! I asked, what do you mean? She said, so you mean you didn't see my messages? I pretended not to have seen them and expressed total ignorance. No, I haven't seen any message of any sort. I'm calling you in connection with dropping the car with you. Daddy instructed me to drop the Car with you.
She asked, Where are you? I'm in Town heading to the Mall, I replied. I'm not at the Mall. I'm heading to the International Airport to pick up Mom. I will take some time. Can you come to the Airport? I said no problem I will be there in no time. I arrived at the airport and I gave her a call. She told me to drive to the Hotel next to the airport. I went straight to the Car park and parked next to her Car. I was walking towards the reception when I heard someone calling me. I turned and saw a gentleman standing by the poolside Bar. Hey, he shouted, You are been called by a lady sitting in the VIP lounge. I turned and headed straight to the Poolside Bar, then into a VIP lounge. Suez was there sitting next to a well-dressed young man in a pair of designer Jeans and round neck skipper and designer windbreaker, with a nice pair of sneakers.
She stood up and flew herself on me. She gave me a side pek. She firmly held my hand and together went to where this gentleman was seated. The gentleman was well-cultured, stood up and greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile.
Suez went on to introduce me, please meet Ceaser, my beloved boyfriend. Ceaser, my young brother Sammy as she happily introduced. He is my immediate junior brother. We are 3, two boys, and one girl. Sonny is not here, I have been trying to contact him but he has not picked up any of my calls since morning.
Meanwhile, there was breaking News in the city of a notorious drug dealer making a daring escape from law enforcement officers.
News Caster: A NOTORIOUS drug dealer has leisurely strolled out of the Law Drug Enforcement headquarters after he pulled out a Russian military Pistol during interrogation and sent officers scampering for life.
According to Law Enforcement insiders, the drug dealer, whose name has been withheld for security reasons, had been on the Commission's most wanted list for some time.
Following a tip-off from the members of the public, the officers managed to catch up with the drug baron in the City's bottleneck traffic but the experienced criminal managed to run off on foot, leaving his pursuers only with his motor vehicle full of marijuana along with an AK 47 magazine loaded with ammunition.
Determined to cage their client, The Law Enforcement Squad enlisted the help of a lone Police Officer who was keeping an eye on a nearby Bank, they managed to track the drug dealer and convinced him to go with him to the Drug Enforcement offices, saying they were ready to hand him back his vehicle because it was gotten as a result of mistaken identity.
However, once he arrived at the DEC headquarters the ex-convict was ushered into an interrogation room where he was quizzed for several minutes.
The interrogation ended with a decision to arrest the drug dealer but as officers got up to handcuff him, he pulled out a Russian military 9-millimetre pistol and threatened to make an announced appointment with their creator.
The brave but criminal stunt from the ex-convict triggered bedlam amongst the officers who tripped over each other as they ran from the scene to prolong their life expectancy while others, like cats, squeezed themselves out of the tiny windows of the interrogation room. It was cumbersome to say the list!
With no one to stop him, the ex-convict then assisted himself to the door and majestically walked out of DEC headquarters and stopped a car on Government Road that carried him in the direction of the Specialised Hospital.
Not ready to let the suspect get away that easily, one DEC officer summoned some Dutch courage, jumped on a vehicle and gave chase.
Upon noticing that he was being trailed, the cheeky criminal opened fire at the officer, puncturing his tyres and perforating his car with bullets while frightened passersby around the Specialised Hospital area dived to the ground for cover.
The DEC officer shot back a few times before running out of ammunition.
With no more bullets for the showdown, the courage to continue pursuing the criminal was abandoned by the DEC officer, although he was left with enough energy and strength to sprint into a blistering Commonwealth Games-kind of the sprint to save his cherished life.
In the process of the Olympic-kind of running, the DEC officer dropped his pistol which was picked by the criminal before he vanished from the scene.
After assessing the situation, cautious police officers from a nearby Police Station who were called in to reinforce their confidantes arrived and tolled off the punctured vehicle and parked it at the Station.
There has been no statement from the DEC or police on the matter and the victorious criminal remains at large.
All the Officers have is a bullet-ripped vehicle. The bullet-riddled vehicle driven by the DEC officer parked at the Police Station
When a special squared from the Office of the President came on the scene and enquired about the event, they gathered information that the same culprit was once an Officer in the Army.
The special square knew the kind of man they were dealing with when they were told the names of the criminal. They narrated how he save the nation when it was threatened by a coup De te.
He was one of the most skilful amongst the Soldiers who thwart the coup. He is held in the highest esteem amongst Army Officers because of his special set of skills.
He was in the company of an Army General that saved the nation from the possible tyranny of military rule, and who sacrificed his life for the sake of the nation.
On the fateful night of the coup attempt on 28th October 1997, soldiers stormed the compound of the Army Commander, but the alert Soldier got his boss and promptly escaped leaving the general's family behind.
He and 5 other Soldiers managed to get the Gen and sneaked out of the house when the renegade soldiers stormed the compound.
The coup plot, led by Captain Solo and Capt. Saka was to raid and capture the Gen. from his home and hoped to take him to nation studios and force him to broadcast a message to the nation that the Army had taken over the country.
But it was not to be as the Gen. proved his capabilities and escaped by jumping off a scaled security perimeter wall.
The mutineers searched for him in the house but couldn't find him. They held his family and the remaining Soldier guards hostage and settled on a private bar full of beer, on which the mutineers got drunk and lost valuable time.
This was four days after the Country celebrated 33 years of independence.
The country woke up on the morning of 28 October 1997 to hear what many later described as a drunken-sounding voice announcing the overthrow of the democratically elected Government.
A soldier, Identifying himself as "Captain Solo", claimed to speak on behalf of what they called a "National Redemption Council" whose intention was "saving our nation from total collapse".
Captain Solo said he was running "Operation Born Again"!
Earlier, the soldiers broke into an arms depot, assaulted army officers and then proceeded to the Mass Media Complex.
The group had split into three. A band of soldiers drove BRDMs armoured military vehicles to capture national studios while another band of soldiers proceeded to attack the residence of the Army commander and the other was right at the Presidential residence.
That second group was led by Captain Saka, who failed to find the commander and instead took hostage his family members and other officers.
In his radio broadcasts that began shortly after 06;00hrs, Captain Solo declared the constitution suspended, a political activity banned, and all airports closed.
He demanded that the President
surrendered by 09;00hrs and claimed that he had troops surrounding the State House.
During his rambling three-hour broadcast Capt. Solo jotted down a list of those he wanted to serve in his administration.
It's the Gen's escape that saved the day. He raised the early alarm, rousing a commando unit of troops from the West of the City that drove into CBD and quelled the coup attempt.
By 8;00hrs in the morning there was silence on the airwaves. Some of the mutinous soldiers at the radio station stripped off their army fatigues and ran away.
Others barricaded themselves in the radio station's offices. A few tried to resist a commando unit but were quickly overwhelmed.
Captain Solo and 15 other soldiers were immediately arrested, and at least one of the rebel soldiers was fatally shot in the fighting as the troops loyal to the Government President regained control of the mass media complex and shot shoots of victory in the air.
By 8:36 am, a lieutenant colonel announced to the nation over the radio that the Government was in control and that a set of indiscipline soldiers were captured and that all culprits involved would be arrested.
A tv crew later filmed and broadcast the image of Captain Solo lying on the ground as soldiers stamped on his chest.
It had taken about three hours to suppress the coup attempt.
The security forces began a sweep of those who had fled, nabbing four soldiers who had fled in the Gen,s official car.
Two others were soon discovered near the radio station after school children spotted them in their hiding place.
On the same day as the coup attempt, the President made two national addresses on television and radio to reassure the nation that he was firmly in control, that his government’s legal, political and economic programs would continue as usual, and that citizens should go about their business as normal.
He made a special appeal to investors, saying the country was stable and long-term investment was safe.
After holding a special Cabinet Meeting on 29th October 1997, in which the Cabinet discussed how best to handle the investigation of the coup attempt, the President declared a state of emergency.
This saw the arrest of a total of 54 soldiers. Later political leaders including the former President and political giants and others were detained and implicated in the coup.
On 2nd December 1997, the President dropped his Vice President in a major cabinet reshuffle in which he also demoted a strongman in the system and redeployed Army Gen. into the foreign service.
The president also announced the retirement of Air Force commander Gen.
The President who announced these changes at a State House press conference said the measures were not necessarily connected to the failed coup of 28th October.
The Special Squad remembered the said soldier and cautioned the Police to handle him with care as the said soldier is highly skilful and dangerous.
© Enock Publishers
