He asked her to meet him by the river. He drove all the way there and parked his car on the banks, a very quiet place, isolated from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Was it safe for her to go? Of all the places one could choose to meet someone, why there?
She thought for a while. Perhaps she should alert someone, in case she doesn’t return intact or doesn’t return at all, someone would take him on.

Or maybe she shouldn’t go at all. After all, she wasn’t obliged to. But what was on Tijani’s mind? He sounded serious. Olivia thought and thought, but couldn’t guess. That guy acts crazy at times, but this doesn’t look like one of those his crazy moments.

Olivia reflected on the recent incidents between them. They hadn’t quarreled. Neither had anyone said something hurtful to the other. What was Tijani going to say to her?

Why not call and give him an ultimatum? Tell me what this meeting is about or I won’t come. She tried to pick her phone, but hesitated. If whatever it was could be said over the phone, Tijani would have done that.

But if she goes there and becomes a victim of some molestation or murder, won’t people say she was stupid to just go meet some guy in some lonely place without knowing why and without alerting anyone?

Go. Don’t go. Go. Don’t go. These opposing thoughts were driving her insane. She won’t die if she doesn’t go. Yes, she’ll remain in her house, that’s what she will do, she convinced herself.

But the curious aspect of her, those itchy ears. They never sleep till they’ve heard and seen what’s cooking in a pot nearby. Mama always said her curiosity will kill her one day. Perhaps today is the fulfillment of that evil prophecy.

Then a thought occurred to her. She dressed up and left the house, taking her dog Bravo along.

Arriving at the meeting place from a different angle, she decided to hide in the bushes about the river and observe from a distance.

Tijani was already there like he said, leaning against his car parked rather too close to the river, smoking nervously.

She looked around him. No one else was there. Oh wait! two men in suit were approaching.

They were heavily built and wore shades. One handed Tijani some papers which he inspected carefully before tucking them into a pocket in his brown jacket. They shook hands before the men left.

What was all this about? What was he up to? She thought.

“Oh! “ she exclaimed, suddenly covering her mouth with a hand. Now she figured it all out, piecing together a series of recent isolated incidents.

She must run!
Just then, Bravo barked.

” Damn! “ She cursed, hurrying through the thick swampy bushes as Tijani’s car raced in her direction, the headlamps scanning the bushes furiously.

Thankfully, she managed to escape. Her bruised knees and ankles and sore toes and throat were enough lessons for her to never put her life at risk, ever again.

Late that night was the party at Lisa’s place. It was an important one and everyone must be present. The only way to bottle her discoveries without looking suspicious was to show up at the party. And showing up she did, like the good pretender that she’s always been, smiling and happily patting everyone’s back as a show of friendship and collaboration.

Finally seated in a corner sipping her lemonade and sobbing inside from the pains of the bruises, she eyed Tijani seated far off with his gang.

Only if he knew what she now knows. Only if he knew what she was planning. The trap he had set for her, she’d escaped and was determined to see him in the pit he dug for her, where she’ll see to it that he rots in there.

He’s probably seated there, angry that she didn’t show up at the river bank. If only he knew she had been there and understood the whole game.

What do you see- 271- 13th Jan’2025