Chapter 124: A New Investigation
1237words
"We need to get out of here," Dapo said, his voice filled with urgency.
Eki's head moved up and down, heart beating fast. They took whatever was nearby, went out through the back door into the night – and disappeared. The city had much noise from cars on the streets and the far sound of people having fun in their evening; but for them, it felt not welcoming—a place where dangers could be anywhere.
They run on the streets, breathing hard and not knowing where to go. They just know they must keep moving because being chased means needing more space between them and those who follow.
At last, they found an empty path and went inside. They sat on the cool bricks, trying to catch their breath again. They felt pain in the body and their minds were moving very fast. They needed to make one plan.
"We can't just keep fleeing," Eki's voice became resolute, "we must resist."
Dapo, with a very strong look in his eyes, said "We must finally show everyone what Thorne and his group are doing."
Anya says, "We should care for artists who got hurt. They need justice."
The next days were for planning. They knew they had to be very careful because Thorne was strong and would not let go of his empire easily.
They decided to tell their story openly, showing Thorne and his connections to all people. They contacted journalists, hoping for much media attention that would make Thorne come out into the open.
The news was like a bomb. People all around the world were very surprised by what they found out about the Olumide family and the secrets of the art world. Eki, Dapo, and Anya got very famous in just one night. Their pictures appeared on newspapers and TV screens everywhere.
But, becoming famous brought many dangers too. They received threats, their phones were hacked, and they always felt like people were watching them.
When pressure increased, many lawsuits were filed against the Olumide family. Sometimes, the descendants of artists who had been taken advantage of came forward and demanded justice along with financial compensation. This was to become a big problem for the Olumide family in how other people look at them.
Eki and Dapo find themselves stuck in the centre. After that scandal, they became targets for both sides. People said they took advantage of this situation for their gain, but others called them heroes.
Ayo, however, spotted an opportunity in this situation. Using her connection, she helped to back the artist's descendants' claim and proposed a reconsideration of the art field. This included asking museums and collectors to study thoroughly where their collections originate from.
Her message reached many people all over the globe, beginning a movement to hold the art community accountable. Although they knew it would be a tough path, Eki, Dapo and Ayo were ready to face it.
Eki and Dapo were inside their safehouse, trying to think quickly. The sound from outside, where people talked about the Olumide family and its link with the art world scandal, had become very loud. They felt happy that justice was happening, but they understood this battle was not over yet.
"It is like Pandora's box being opened," Dapo whispered, his eyes stuck on the TV that showed how this scandal was taking over all other news.
Eki, moving her head up and down, agreed with a serious voice, "We poke the hornet's nest," she said. "Thorne does not just sit still."
Phones on silent mode, always vibrating with messages and calls - from journalists, lawyers, and regular folks who care. Sometimes they care too much but know it's important for how people see us in public.
"Let us not forget," Eki warned, "Thorne has not been captured and remains dangerous."
Dapo nodded and said, "We must keep ourselves safe and also protect Ayo. We cannot afford any more losses."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Eki and Dapo exchanged worried glances. They had not informed anyone about their current location.
Step by step, Eki moved nearer to the portal and held her hand just above the latch. She looked through the small spy hole but could not see anything inside. After one deep breath, she turned the handle of the door.
Standing on the other side was Chief Olumide, his face etched with worry.
"You need to come with me," he said urgently. "It's important."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other, worried clear on their faces. They walked behind the Chief as he went to the car, many thoughts racing through their minds. Even if they did not know what was happening, they realized it was something very serious.
In the car, Chief Olumide says they get threats on their lives that are taken very seriously. Thorne wants to finish these cases and will do whatever is needed for this.
Eki and Dapo's hearts felt heavy. They knew they were in danger, but did not fully grasp how serious things were.
"We need to hide under the ground," said Chief Olumide, "We have a hidden spot. It is very far." This is our last chance."
Eki and Dapo nodded, making an effort to appear brave even though they felt fear inside. They understood they needed to move quicker than Thorne, which required them to stay hidden from other people.
At the safe house, they come to a hidden place in the forest. Eki and Dapo feel joy when seeing it. It was not very big, making one feel secure from unwanted attention.
And at last, when everything was prepared, they understood the battle was not finished. Thorne stayed there and he would not think twice to do whatever it took to achieve his goals. But they held a firm resolution: to unmask him and view him as obtaining fairness.
They get ready for a hard and long trip. They have one another, they have honesty - what more matters?
When Eki and Dapo moved into the safe house, they started to feel calmer. It gave them a little time to collect their thoughts before deciding what steps to take next. However, this peacefulness didn't stay for much time.
A loud noise at the door wakes them up. Eki and Dapo look at each other with fear, because they did not tell anyone where they are. They were not anticipating any visitors at all.
Eki, feeling a bit cautious and not very certain, moved closer to the door. She peeked through the small hole meant for seeing outside and saw someone standing there. It was a face she recognized but could not recall from where. She felt unsure, yet the person raised their hand and knocked again with more force.
Eki felt a chill pass through her body, just like when you feel the breeze on your skin. There was something unusual in the air like maybe something bad or dangerous is going to happen. She looked at Dapo with eyes that showed a lot of fear. They must get ready for anything that might happen.
With a deep breath, Eki opened the door.
