[Clark]
I got down from my car, after pulling over in front of a tall building along a lonely street. I cross checked with the description I had in my head, and it was a perfect match.
My desire to win back Nichole had grown into desperation, and finally anger. With anger came hate, and a dire need to cause her pain. Hence my presence in this godforsaken place.
Two heavily built men with arms stood at the gate as guards. They granted me access without asking any questions, which showed that I was expected. One of the men led me into the compound, where we ascended the stairs leading upstairs.
It was awfully dark and quiet inside, and I wondered why. At this point, I was becoming scared, and a part of me began to regret going through with this. But then I remembered it was all because of Nicole, and worth every discomfort.
These past few months have been nothing but hell for me. Partying late into the night and womanizing had not taken Nicole out of my mind as I hoped, instead it had made me desire her even more. Every moment I spent with another lady reminded me of her, and how much no other woman can replace her.
The stairs seemed unending, and my legs screamed from the weakness they felt. I have since lost count of how many floors we've passed, and so I continued to climb, wondering why we didn't make use of the elevator.
I was tempted to ask where exactly we were going, and why it was dark but decided against it as that would register my fears to him, and I didn't want that. Instead I braced myself up, and put on a brave expression, while I silently wished to come back out alive.
"We are close." He announced with gritted teeth without sparing a look towards my direction, and I nodded indifferently because I thought it's what a tough person would do.
I could hear thick voices now, and my fear increased. What if they attack me instead?
"Wait here." He said in a too-loud voice once we got to the door from where the voices emerged. His voice was husky and loud, it was more as if he was trying to get those inside to hear him than to get me more scared.
I willed myself to keep cool, and not look at him. I could feel fear crawling from within me to settle on my face, and I didn't want him to see it. The noise from inside stopped at once, and was replaced with the noise from within me, brought about by fear, only I could hear this noise. Whatever the reason he raised his voice was, it worked.
I heard him knock twice before pulling the door open, and I turned quickly to catch a glimpse of the room, but he had opened the door so narrowly that he barely made it through, and I saw nothing except for a bulb in the ceiling which produced a red coloured light.
The door closed once he made it through, and I could hear hushed voices from inside, but I could not make out who was talking or what they were saying. I stood there, waiting to be granted access. Or not.
The door pulled open after a few seconds, and a different man was at the door this time, motioning me into the room with a wave of his hands.
I stepped into the room, willing myself to be brave but it wasn't working. The red light gave the room a dangerous look, coupled with the stench of tobacco. About twelve men were present in the room, and more than half of them were smoking. The others were heavily drugged, the look on their eyes was proof enough.
"Good morning." I greeted the man whom I was sure I had spoken to on the phone, and who by every indication was the leader of the group. He nodded in response, and took a drag of the cigarette which he held. He puffed out the smoke from his mouth, polluting the already polluted atmosphere the more.
I wasn't bothered about my shaky voice or my shaky hands, why bother about things that are not life-threatening when there are life-threatening people right in front of me. Instead I let my gaze settle on the men in the room who greatly intimidated me without knowing it.
Good morning," I greeted again with the same shaky voice. This time I turned towards the others, and Instead of their faces, I only saw their heavily built biceps which, as it seemed, was displayed for me to see.
While some of them nodded in response, some others hummed, and the others did or said nothing.
"Without wasting time," The leader who identified himself on the phone as Julius started to say, and I was grateful. Should everything go as planned, I will be on my way out of here in an hour. His voice was gentle, which contradicted the look on his face, and the way he had sounded on the phone.
"Let's have the balance." He continued, and I could feel the shock register on the faces of the others.
"I already spoke with him before now," He said, facing the others and taking another drag from the cigarette. "Of course I wouldn't send him here if I'm not sure who he is." He added, puffing out smoke from his mouth and nostrils this time.
He turned to face me, and I handed the briefcase filled with money to him. For a brief moment, I wondered if this wasn't a step too far but Julius pulled the briefcase away from my loose grip, which indicated a closed deal.
"Do you have anything new to add to our already concluded plan?" He asked, looking searchingly at me.
"No," I replied.
"Scar, what do we have?" He called, looking at the others, and one of the men stood up, and moved towards him, holding a bag while the others mumbled a protest. I am no gangster, but I knew the others had been left out and they were far from being happy about it.
The man whom I believed to be Scar, opened the bag that was with him, and brought out photos, about ten in all.
He began to hang them on a poster on the wall, using a pin. All of which were photos of Nichole in varying positions and locations.
"I found out where she lives, and who she lives with." Scar explained, facing Julius.
"Where does she live?" I asked excitedly, facing Scar but he turned towards Julius instead. Although I knew who Nicole now lives with, I had no idea where they lived. Clara has never liked me or tried to hide it.
"That will be all for now, Scar."Julius stated, dismissing him.
"Where does she live?" I asked again, after mustering enough courage.
"She would be attending a party tonight," Julius informed me instead, ignoring my question.
"Where is the venue for the party? I asked. The thought of seeing Nicole again after several weeks got me really excited.
"You will be contacted as soon as everything is in place." Julius replied, ignoring my question yet again. He motioned on the guy who had led me here, and my heart skipped a beat. I did not know what he communicated with him, but I was certain it had to do with me.
I watched him get on his feet, and walked to the door. He opened the door, and motioned me out of the room.
With so much relief, I walked towards the door, grateful to leave earlier than I expected, and unhurt. I was scared to my bones but unhurt, and that was a lot to be grateful for.
When I got to the door, I turned towards Julius, with newly found bravery.
"Do not hurt her."
I knew there was a need to tell him this. I want to be the cause of her pain. Just I, and no one else.