Back at Maribel street.

Commotion stirred up in Ken's apartment no one dared to intervene, to avoid bloodshed. It was a regular occurrence. It had begun shortly after Ben’s arrival.

Ben got to the main entrance. He was sweating all over, He stunk of panick.

“Damn it,"

“Get in here at once!” Ken screamed through a speaker hidden somewhere at the main entrance.

Ken had the compound wired round with CCTV cameras and hidden speakers, he paid utmost attention to security fails.

“Shit.” Ben freaked out almost losing balance.

The doors opened revealing Ken in a black half buttoned T-shirt he backed Ben at a corner of the room.

The living room had expensive furniture all over, a center table littered with packets of cigarette, a matching sofa accompanied the perception that he was a lover of the colour, black.

“Welcome.” Ken stood up and walked towards the fire place.

He pressed a button and out came a small drawer. He picked out a cigarette, licked it from tip to end and lit it using the fire place.

“Where is she?.

“She…she got away, I’m sorry boss.” Ben stammered. 

“You’re sorry?” Ken Moulded his fist.

 “You know I have zero tolerance for failures but as a close and trusted friend I forgive you." He spoke, his cigarette in his mouth, hands backwards.

“Bring him here." Ken commanded.

Immediately, two strong hands lifted him from behind, Ben had not noticed their presence.

“Please boss.” Ben cried, held up mid air as he was brought closer to ken.

“String him up!” Ken commanded, rolling his sleeves up his fist.

Ben was served blows from different angles, as two of his gang member joined in at his command.

He was bathed with fear on his swollen face, lips dripping thick blood, eyes partially closed.

“Stop!” Ken ordered, raising his right arm. 

He approached Ben. “I simply asked you to kill the fucking girl, it’s as simple as that.” Ken screamed right at Ben’s face.

“That… Was… All… You… Were… Asked… To… Do…” Ben accompanied each word with a punched aimed at Ben’s stomach.

Ben was left groaning on the floor, badly injured.

Another guy brought back Ken’s jacket. Brought out a cigarette, lit it and gave it to ken. “What are we gonna do now boss?” He asked.

“I made a big mistake sending a boy to do a man’s job." Ken spoke while adjusting his suit. 

“I created this and I’ll settle this my way.” Ken concluded, letting out a cloud of smoke.

“We move to the den now! I'm bored already." Ken ordered. 

Movements obeyed, he picked his gold wrist watch, wore it and made his way out the building. He drooled at Ben who laid silent in pains. The two guys ran ahead of him, opening and clearing every obstacle on his path as he took giant steps. One of them took to the steering, another flung the back door open, the vehicle was ready to move. The black hummer jeep kicked started and zoomed out of the premises.

*

The country breeze blew here at the country side, Bernard Williams residence was no exception.

Nicky woke up the next morning, feeling good. Her injuries had been ministered to, the pain had subsided so she lay still. The bed was laid in white linen. The bed was so comfy that she forgot she was in a stranger’s place. The sweet aroma of toast filled the room. Her eyes sort for it. she was starving, her joy knew no bounds, she found a tray arrayed with toast jam and a mug of coffee. 

“Ho this is so…so good." She recommended eyes closed and mouth stuffed.

She noticed a note which she picked and read its contents

“ Good morning,   Hope you had a great night, I’ll be back soon, feel free."

Nicky felt comfobuildingthe cold breeze brew in givinh way to the sunlight. 

“Beautiful." She cared to admit, staring in astonishment at the beauty of old fashion. 

She walked towards a picture and smiled at a younger Mr & Mrs William holding hands and smiles all over a small boy of seven years of age.

She walked into the dining room, nodding and admiring the fire place. It was painted white and the room was sky blue. It had a perfect match. Olden ceramic objects hung over the fire place. The dining table had wooden chairs.

“This must have being designed by a skilled artist." She thought.

It had four chairs, two on the left side and two on the right hand. She took another bite from the toast in her hand, eyes still glued to the decorations she sipped from her mug to coffee she carried about. She headed for the stairs and at last found out it was a beautiful three bed room flat. 

Nicky was satisfied with her sightseeing and searched for the bathroom.

On her way to bath, she heard the door squeak and then shut after. 

“Hello young lady?” A musical elderly voice came smiling at Nicky. 

Nicky wore a shy look of thanksgiving.

“Ha, I see your feel better." Mrs Helen said smiling. "Go have your bath, I got you some clothes that are your size." She added.

Just then, Nicky realized she was in a big gown for a dress. It made her seem tiny.

“Ok ma’am.” Nicky answered, minding her steps towards the bathroom.

* 

Back at the den, some distance off Maribel Street in East bay.

The den bubbled as usual, Ken had a table served before him, he called on to the attention of his boys and gave instructions to be on a look out for Nicky having described her physique.  

There was some wraps of cocaine on the table before him. He took a sniff from a demarcated line of powder. 

All eyes searched.