Chapter 128: A Shift in Power
913words
"Who's there?" Dapo managed to say, his voice rough from both fear and confusion.
The person walked in the opposite direction, and then all of a sudden, there was a face that showed up. It seemed familiar, like someone not very well-known but related to art and ancient things from long ago.
"Someone who owes you a debt," the figure replied, their voice low and mysterious.
Just when they are about to ask questions, the sirens begin. Police coming now. Eki and Dapo know it is time for them to leave. When they see a strange person, they go away while I look at them and slowly disappear into the night.
In the coming weeks, Eki and Dapo focus on constructing once more. The explosion destroyed all that they had before but gave them a fresh reason to keep going in life. When Thorne attacked, it only made them more determined to discover his system and make him responsible.
Also, the court conflict with the Olumide family was reaching its climax. The evidence against them kept increasing and people began to think less in their favor. Chief Olumide had considerable pressure from both the people's viewpoint and his own family.
Eki and Dapo consider talking to him again because they understand his difficult situation, but still believe he can come up with a good solution.
They decided to meet Chief Olumide at a place with no ties to their normal day, like a small café nobody really noticed. The Chief looked very tired and worn out, almost as if he was holding all the problems of the world on his shoulders.
Eki spoke in a very gentle tone, saying, "I also have experienced this feeling. I understand the pain you are going through."
Chief Olumide nodded, his eyes filled with sadness. "I understand," he responded. "However, it is not simple."
"You have the choice to stay on this way, working very hard to keep your family name safe no matter what," Dapo suggested. "Or you can choose the right thing by correcting old mistakes."
There was a period when Chief Olumide stayed silent for a very long time, but at last he spoke. "I have been thinking about this," he said, "and now I see it is wrong to value family's honor more than someone's life if they are in pain."
Eki and Dapo looked at each other, hoping bright in their eyes. It seemed like Chief Olumide was ready to finally choose the right path.
After a few days, Chief Olumide arranged a meeting with media people. He accepted the mistake of his family and expressed sorrow for the hurt made in the "Moonlight Lease" case. Then he discussed the idea to start a foundation for helping new artists from Nigeria and give scholarships to students with less money.
A significant moment, a huge turning point in the Olumide family's history. Various reactions arose to the confession but it was a beginning step for all family members. The family has started recovering their status gradually.
Eki and Dapo have so much admiration for Chief Olumide's bravery. Maybe it was a bold move, but somehow it felt like the correct thing to do. They know the journey might take a long time and be hard; but even then, they believe in what will wait for them to finish.
Amidst their triumph, a strange communication reached them with a single word: "Be cautious."
"We must be careful," Dapo's voice was filled with caution and worry, "It may be a trap."
Eki gave a nod and said, "No calmness yet. They stay here and will not go without a fight."
In the days following, they were very careful. They stayed awake and alert always. The city became a confusing maze of dangers, with every turn bringing fresh risks.
They went around the country, meeting artists, activists and community leaders. Their trip gave feelings of hope, excitement and togetherness to people they met.
The movement was getting larger, and so did the enemies. Threats started coming in, houses were damaged by troublemakers, and life became always dangerous. But fear didn't make them weak.
One late evening, when we were working, a call came from a unfamiliar number not familiar. People on the other side ask the question "Who is this?" ", a deep and menacing voice replied with: "You think you're safe, huh?"
Eki and Dapo froze, their hearts pounding. They knew that voice. It was Thorne.
"We're watching you," Thorne continued. "And we know where you are."
A cold dread washed over Eki and Dapo. They had been caught.
Taking their belongings, they left the apartment. The city lights were very bright but became fuzzy as they hurried into the dark to find a safe place to hide until it was no longer dangerous.
While they were busy running away, their mind was working quickly too. They kept thinking about staying in front of Thorne; they did not want him to get close to them.
All of a sudden, loud noise happened and struck the city. They paused, hearts pounding very fast. Looked each other showing worry and confusion on face.
What could have caused that explosion? And more importantly, was it connected to Thorne?
