Babila came to school that day very worried. He had to struggle to get someone who will act as his replacement. He needed someone who will take the ritual Money he had been given by Akpan. His friend, Ayuk had notice how worked up he was and had asked him what was the matter. He had told Ayuk that they would discuss that during break. Ayuk patiently waited until break time came. After Babila had narrated him the whole ordeal, he offered to help.

“I know someone who will be interested.” Ayuk said.

“Really? Please tell me.” Babila urged, excitedly.

“You know that guy who has that small stall beside the hospital? The bulky guy.” Ayuk asked.

“You mean Mike?” Babila asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you sure he will be interested?” Babila could not believe his luck.

“Yes, I am sure. I have heard him talk once about making money at all cost. I am sure he will be interested.” Ayuk assured. “I have also heard he is involved in those kinds of things.”

“Alright, how do I get to him. I am not very used to him.” Babila expressed his concern.

“I will help you. Don’t worry.” Ayuk assured him.

The next day, after school, the two boys, Babila and Ayuk went to Mike’s stall where he sold food items. Mike was at a loss as to what must have brought the two guys to him. After a brief introduction though, they went straight to the topic and revealed to him why they had come.

Just as Ayuk had predicted, Mike was immediately excited, especially as he was told that there was no blood to be shed.

 The two friends arranged a meeting the next day with Akpan. Mike got there and collected all the money. He was very happy and excited and promised he was going to keep to all the terms of the agreement. Little did he know that it was a trap from the pit of hell and the devil doesn’t give anything for nothing.

Mike had become rich overnight. There was a newly completed line of shops just beside where he had his small stall. The shops were still on rents and they were a few empty ones. Mike went to the owner and secured two shops for himself and paid upfront for two years in cold hard cash. The next day, he travelled to Douala and did an expensive shopping. He came back the following day with two trucks, filled with goods. He stocked the two shops in one day.

Everyone at the market was surprised at the new developments. People were shocked at the speed with which his fortunes had changed overnight. Everyone suspected it was ritual money but no one could muster the courage to confront him. Within a very short period, he had dominated the area in which his shops were located. Everyone was buying from him and ignored his neighbours. This went in a long way to fuel the rumours that he was involved in some dark and powerful magic. Yet, no one could do anything because they had no evidence.

His level had changed. All the girls in town wanted to hang out with him. Girls stopped calling him Mike. They now called him Handsome. He bought two cars. He used one for transportation and the other, a Range Rover, for cruising around with beautiful girls. Life was going well for him. However, his days of glory were coming to an end.

One day, he got a call from Akpan. He was wanted urgently at Akpan’s house. In the evening, after he had closed his shops for the day, he drove to Akpan’s house and was greeted at the door.

“Welcome, Mike. I am happy you were able to make it on such short notice.”

“It’s alright. Please what is the matter. I have had a long day and I need to go home and freshen up.” Mike was impatient.

“It’s something about the money.” Akpan said.

“What about the money?” Mike asked, rudely. “You gave me the terms and conditions and I agreed to it. What is the matter again?”

Akpan was surprised at Mike’s rudeness. However, he remained calm.

“The conditions have changed. I was told by the source of the money that there are some things you have to do.” Akpan revealed.

Mike was shocked.

“Is this some kind of a joke? I hope it doesn’t involve ritual killings because I can’t do that. I mean I won’t.”

 Mike was furious. Akpan remained calm.

“Calm down, Mike.” Akpan said. “Please pay attention and take what I am about to tell you seriously. The source doesn’t want you to return the money any longer. The source has too much money to worry about a refund. He wants you to do something easy for him and then you can keep the money.”

“What does he want?” 

Mike was calm for the first time since he got there. He had begun to understand the seriousness of the situation. “I am prepared to do anything as long as I won’t be killing anyone or giving away my manhood.”

“You are lucky, the source seems to favour you. What he wants you to do involves neither of what you have mentioned. It’s something easier.”

Mike heaved a big sigh of relief and then asked.

“What is it then. Please tell me. I am impatient.”

“You have to sleep with a child who is not above ten years. You must do it before Sunday. You must do it in a place where you will be caught. Yes, being caught is part of the condition. You must be caught otherwise the ritual won’t work. What happens after you are caught is none of my business. You are rich now and can use your money to buy your way out.” Akpan explained at length.

Mike slumped on the ground. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had suddenly become sullen. His rudeness had disappeared.

“Why didn’t you tell me all these from the very beginning?” He asked, tears in his eyes.

“You were in a haste to make money, so don’t blame me. Remember, it’s before Sunday. Good luck to you. One more thing, rub the blood from the child on a towel and bring it to me after you are done. Goodbye.”

Poor Mike. That was the beginning of his troubles. It was Thursday. That meant he had just two or three days to meet the demand or who knows what would happen to him. He got into his car and drove away, sadly.

TO BE CONTINUED…