AFLOAT SEASON 2 Ep. 3

This story is dedicated to families who have lost loved ones and anyone who has been a victim of or experienced the horrors of the various violent gangs plaguing our society. May God console and give you His peace even as we continue praying and striving for a better #Nigeria

Nikky.

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DONT GET CONFUSED, JUST CLICK HERE TO CATCH UP ON ALEX'S PART OF THE STORY...

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“Lex, there’s trouble”.

Alex turned in time to see Tony headed towards him. He was sweating as if he had run all the way. When they arrived Tony had offered to go in search of Dapper with the community's vigilante group.  Alex could not understand why he wanted to involve them when Dapper was probably at home already. But Tony had insisted and he had let him have his way. His focus was on teaching Brad a dire lesson so he was confused to see Tony panting and agitated.

"Guy, what happened to you? Why are you panting and sweating in this cool weather?"

“It's Dapper...Lex, some_ someone saw her walking towards that dreaded route..."

"Which route? Pull yourself together man. What are you talking about?"

"Your sister!"

"Should be at home as we speak. So what about her?"

"That's my point man. Dapper is not home! She was seen going into that route after this fool took her to the restaurant. The old man said he could swear he heard her screaming some minutes later.”

“Tony what the f#*k are you talking about? My sis is at home and well. Come on man calm down okay, I will call her now."

Alex pulled out his phone and while keeping an eye on Brad he dialed Dapper's number. After some minutes he sighed and dialed another number;

"Hello mum...she is not yet back? Okay okay I will bring her myself...don't worry I will handle it..."

He looked up and turned confused eyes in Tony's direction; "What's the meaning of this? Where is my sister?"

"I - I got a call from one of the boys when we got here so I had to confirm before alerting you. I'm sorry Lex."

"Sorry? Tony you are not making any sense.” Alex took short but steady steps nearer to his right hand man who seemed to be having a nervous break down. He had never seen Tony like this, not even when he lost his mother.

“Lex as we speak Eric and his men are at the route searching for her. I called him before getting here...and they said there is still no sign of her...I- I think she has been taken.”

"Taken?' Alex scoffed; “How is that even possible? You and I know NOBODY in this community can harm my sister, so this story of how they saw her and the voice they heard are all bullshit!”

“Lex! You are not listening to me, the Intel I got was that she took that route tonight. We've heard stories of kidnappers plaguing that spot so if she was seen going in there then...” Tony faltered and placed both hands on his head.

Alex froze as Tony’s words registered in his brain. Some villagers had approached him earlier in the month with stories of kidnappers and the need for the chairman to fulfill his rural electrification campaign promises particularly along the dreaded path leading to the major stream. He had called a meeting with the chairman to inform him of their worries but he had assured him it was all a tale by his opponents to breed distrust. Alex had laid the matter to rest especially since there was never any news of any kidnap in the community. Until now. 

Dapper? kidnapped in this community? Impossible! He laughed out at the ridiculous tale as Tony glared at him as if he was going insane. Just then Brad shifted and tried to get up. Tony rushed over and kicked him in the ribs. Brad howled out and clutching his side, rolled around in the dust. Alex shifted away from them and redialed Dapper's number. It rang for awhile and stopped. He called again but this time her number was switched off. He could feel rage racing through his veins as his hands shook. 

He shut his eyes and tried to take steadying breaths. The thought of losing his only sister sent chills down his spine. 

Everyone in their community knew Dapper was his sister. They had grown up among their people; thanks to their late father. Like his father, he had given a lot to the community; quality healthcare, support for the widows and jobs for the youths. With his father's early death he had reluctantly stepped into his big shoes and their thriving business made his goodwill possible especially because of his link with the International community and the Federal Government. 

Even the chairman won the elections because he had rejected the offer to become the next chairman and had appointed him to represent their party. He had singlehandedly sponsored his campaign but made sure never to interfere or tell him how to run his official affairs. So why would any of his people decide to hurt his family by taking his sister?

Alex opened his eyes and slowly turned towards Brad who was still lying face down in the dust. Dapper would never have taken that route if Brad had not taken her to that damned restaurant. It was his fault she was far away from home late at night and for that he should pay; he concluded before mechanically reaching for his gun which was on the table Brad was working on when they arrived. He removed the safety and Tony instantly rushed over and held his hand.

“Na our brother-our brother. Alex abeg. Abeg. Please don't do it...”

He chanted in his ear as Alex tried to shove him off.

“Lex! Abeg, Dapper is in danger and you need to make calls right now. Let me handle this...I will take care of this fool. Dapper needs you NOW abeg!”

Alex’s blood boiled as Tony tried to subdue him. He knew Tony was right. If someone had taken his sister, then every minute wasted meant her life was in danger. He pulled away from Tony and screamed as a single tear trailed down his face. He stooped down and buried his head in his hands. At that moment, he needed to harm someone for even thinking of hurting his family but that would have to wait. Taking deep breaths, he gingerly stood up and turned towards Tony;

“Call Aunt May, tell her my mother needs her and tell Eric to meet me at Chairman’s house. Make sure this idiot doesn’t leave town.”

With that, he strode out of the room and headed for his car.

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