It rang once.
Twice.
Three times.
No answer.
His jaw tightened.
He stood still for a moment, then turned and walked back to the car.
He opened the door and sat beside his mother.
He let out a deep sigh.
“Mama,” he said slowly, “I don’t even know what to think right now.”
She looked at him with worried eyes.
“The land is empty,” he said. “There’s nothing there. No house. Nothing. Just grass.”
Mrs. Madara covered her mouth.
“My God!” she cried softly.
Okon gently held her shoulders.
“Mama, please don’t cry,” he said. “For your health, I don’t want your blood pressure to rise.”
She nodded slowly, trying to control herself.
“Hmm,” she murmured weakly as she wiped her tears.
Okon leaned back in his seat, his mind working fast.
Right there, he brought out his phone again and searched for a serviced apartment. Within minutes, he found a good one and made a reservation immediately.
“Mama, you will stay somewhere comfortable for now,” he said.
The driver started the car.
They drove to the apartment.
When they arrived, Okon stepped out and helped his mother inside.
The place was neat, quiet, and well arranged. Everything was already prepared. Food, a clean bed, running water, a peaceful space.
Okon turned to her.
“You will rest here,” he said gently. “Everything you need will be provided.”
Mrs. Madara looked around slowly.
Tears filled her eyes again, but this time they were softer.
“My son,” she said.
Okon held her hand.
“I am here now,” he said firmly.
But deep inside him, a storm was building.
Because now he knew one thing for sure.
This was no mistake.
Chida had something to answer for.
After many failed calls, Mr. Okon sat quietly in his hotel room.
He looked at his phone again.
Still nothing.
No reply to his messages. No call back.
Then he remembered that he had sent his sister money to register and set up her event planning business.
He shook his head slowly as an idea settled in his mind.
He placed the phone on the table and leaned back.
Then he had an idea on how to reach his sister.
A few weeks later, far away from the hotel in another part of Warri, Chida received a call in her office.
“Good afternoon, ma,” the caller said. “My boss wants to plan a big event. He was told you are the best person for the job.”
Chida sat up with interest.
“A big event?” she asked.
“Yes, ma. A very important one. He would like to meet you in person.”
“All right,” she said. “When and where?”
“There is a quiet restaurant in town. I will send you the address. He will meet you there this evening.”
Chida paused for a moment, then nodded to herself.
“Okay. I will be there,” she said.
That evening, Chida arrived at the restaurant.
It was calm and well arranged. Soft music played in the background.
She looked around and saw a man sitting at a table, dressed in a neat suit.
He stood up as she walked closer.
“Good evening, ma,” he said.
“Good evening,” Chida replied as she sat down.
“My boss will be joining us shortly,” the man said.
Chida nodded.
“All right. Let’s wait.”
They exchanged a few words about the supposed event, but after a short while, the man’s phone buzzed.
He looked at it and stood up.
“Excuse me, ma. I will be back,” he said.
“Okay,” Chida replied.
He walked away.
Chida sat alone at the table.
A few seconds passed.
Then she felt a presence behind her.
A voice spoke.
“Good evening, Chida.”
Her body froze.
That voice.
Slowly, she turned.
Her eyes met his.
Okon.
He stood there, looking straight at her.
Chida could not move. Her heart began to beat fast.
“Brother,” she said, her voice low and unsure.
Okon pulled out a chair and sat down calmly.
“Yes,” he said.
Chida looked around, confused.
Then it hit her.
It was a setup.
Okon leaned slightly forward.
“You refused to answer my calls,” he said.
Chida looked down.
“I have been busy,” she started.
Okon stopped her.
“Don’t dare,” he said firmly.
Chida swallowed.
Okon reached into his pocket and brought out his phone.
“I want you to listen carefully,” he said.
He pressed something on the phone and placed it on the table.
A voice began to play.
It was Chida’s voice.
“Don’t worry. Mother is fine. I just visited her not long ago. She also sends her regards.”
Chida’s eyes widened.
