Chapter 6: Skepticism and News of Controversy
1614words
He looks... difficult to understand, I say with care in picking words. Sometimes he supports my ideas, then quickly he is with those proud money people.
Ayo lay spread out on the old couch wearing too-big sweatpants and snorted in response, "Eki, really," she said with a sneer. "He's Dapo Olumide! Heir to a fortune and probably as smooth-talking as a politician. Don't let him fool you."
She doubted, and I felt a struggle inside me. Dapo saying he liked my ideas sounded true, but his connection to the group and Madam Olumide's scary advice made everything seem dark.
"Perhaps you have a point," I admitted, sliding my hand through my hair. "However, there is something regarding him... it feels like he may not be fully at ease with the entire setup."
Or perhaps he is deceiving you, Ayo responded with a voice full of worry. These individuals don't have a reputation for being selfless, Eki. Don't let them exploit your talent."
Her speech made me remember the truth of my situation clearly. The Moonlight Glow project was not only about creating; it also involved a struggle for dominance and influence. And I, the architect with a dream, was a pawn in their game.
Suddenly, my phone vibrated with a notification. It was an update from a nearby web news source, and the headline loudly stated: "Chief Olumide in Middle of Disputed Land Transaction." A jolt of apprehension shot through me.
I clicked the link and quickly read through the article. It described Chief Olumide's new business project - buying land in an old neighbourhood of Lagos that is planned to be redeveloped. The agreement, though, was caught up in disputes. Locals argued they faced pressure to sell their homes for much less than what they're worth on the market, with claims of scare tactics being used floating around.
My stomach churned. Was this the "reality" Dapo had spoken of? Is the Moonlight Glow project linked with this land deal that many people talk about? If it is connected, then how can I join it and still feel okay in my heart?
A feeling of deep sadness almost overwhelmed me. The idea I had for a cultural place to honour the lively essence of Lagos looked like it was falling apart because of big companies wanting more profit and secret plans.
"Eki, what's wrong?" Ayo's concerned voice sliced through my swirling thoughts.
I gave her my phone with the news story bright on the screen. She looked at it and her eyes got bigger while reading, showing a face that was as upset as I felt inside.
She spoke quietly, her voice full of anger, "This is not just happening by chance. Dapo must know about this." He practically runs his father's empire."
The discovery hit me hard, like a blow to my stomach. The little hope I held on to, the chance that Dapo and I saw things the same way, appeared to disappear when faced with the true situation.
Ayo, sensing the disturbance in me, proposed with caution that I perhaps make contact with him to discuss the matter. See where he stands."
The idea of meeting Dapo, with his mysterious appearance possibly hiding a planned purpose, made me feel very anxious. How was it possible to have trust in him when I am aware of the history he stands for?
"I don't know," I confessed, feeling lost and adrift. "Maybe Ayo is right. Maybe this whole project is a trap."
A deep quiet fell over the room, with only the constant buzz of the city's noise coming through. The once hopeful dream about Moonlight Glow now seemed filled with heavy feelings of distrust and being let down.
My phone vibrates once more unexpectedly. Now it was a message, with an unfamiliar number showing on the display. With a tremor in my hand, I opened it.
"Meet me at the docks tonight. Midnight. Come alone. - D.O."
My heart hammered against my ribs. Was it Dapo? If that is the case, then why the secret? I was filled with a mix of fear and a small flame of hope. Is this a chance to find out what is true, to look past the false fronts and know his real plans?
When the sun went down over Lagos, giving the city a warm light, I understood that I had to make a choice. Should I listen to the mysterious note and take a chance by going into something not known? Could I possibly turn my back on the Moonlight Glow project and Dapo Olumide, mysterious as he is, always be troubled by the persistent thought that there's something dark hidden under the project's sparkling facade?
The decision was heavy on me, like the damp air in Lagos. Inside me, there was a wish to go back, to leave behind the project with all its hidden mysteries. Another part of me, a small persistent defiance, would not let itself be intimidated. I was determined not to allow them to control or suppress what I saw in my mind's eye.
Taking a big breath, I looked at Ayo and saw she was also looking worried like me on the inside. "I must leave," I said with more confidence than what I was feeling.
"Eki, are you sure?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "This could be dangerous."
"I know," I admitted, forcing a smile. "But I can't ignore this. Perhaps it is a trap, or perhaps an opportunity to find some answers. Regardless, I cannot remain idle and take no action.
Ayo, ever the loyal friend, sighed but squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Alright," she conceded. "But be careful. If things feel off, get out of there. And promise me you'll call me the second you get back."
I made a nod, feeling thankfulness heat up in my chest. Even with my nervousness, Ayo's constant backing provided me with the bravery I required.
When the evening became darker, I changed from a disappointed architect to a careful detective. Instead of my normal flowing dress, I wore dark jeans and a simple T-shirt. Over them, I put on an old leather jacket with pockets where my phone, little torch, and pepper spray were kept – Ayo strongly recommended this for safety.
The docks in Lagos during the nighttime were like a maze with very tall cranes, big cargo ships, and a strong smell of saltwater mixed with diesel. Walking through empty small streets and pathways with not much light, I made my way through this puzzle, paying close attention to everything around me. The mysterious message didn't give any hints about what Dapo was planning, making me wonder why he did it and what risks could be coming for me.
While uncertainty started to affect my determination, I noticed a single shape outlined by the changing light of a faraway crane. Approaching nearer, it became clear that the shape was Dapo standing tall and enveloped in shadows.
"Dapo?" I called out, my voice barely above a whisper.
He spun around, his face showing a brief moment of surprise before he concealed it with a careful look. "Eki," he greeted with a voice that was quiet and full of tension.
"What is this place?" I demanded, my gaze sweeping across the desolate landscape. "And why the secrecy?"
He pointed to an old box close by, the worn wooden surface giving a risky place to sit. "There are words I cannot speak... not here in public," he said, looking around cautiously for anyone who might be watching secretly.
Although I was curious, I chose to sit on the wet wood which made me shiver, and then I asked for you to tell me right here. Please explain to me the situation with the land agreement and the claims made against your father. Does this have a relation to the Moonlight Glow initiative?
Dapo paused for a very long time, something that looked like pain passed over his face and then he said, "The project... it is not just a cultural centre Eki," he admitted with a voice so soft. "It's a… a way to make amends."
His words sparked a flicker of confusion within me. "Amends? For what?"
He let out a long breath, moving his hand through his hair because he felt frustrated. "The history of my family... It's not just happy and bright times, Eki. There are… dark chapters, decisions made that displaced people, destroyed communities."
The understanding came to me with strong force. Chief Olumide's reputation for being without mercy now made sense, it had a background that was affecting the current situation very much. "And the Moonlight Glow project?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Is it meant to… rectify those mistakes?"
Dapo's expression held a flicker of hope. "That was the idea," he admitted. However, the group of companies views it simply as a business chance to take advantage of valuable property.
His speech made my suspicions stronger. The perfect picture I believed in was just a cover, hiding the real goals of the group.
"So what do you propose?" I asked for a newfound determination hardening my resolve. "Do we walk away? Let them exploit the very community you're trying to help?"
Dapo looked into my eyes, a light of something like a challenge shining in them. "No," he said with a strong voice.
