CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Van became Jr’s best friend. He taught him about the camp’s culture, each crew member's behavioural patterns, the strengths and weaknesses of each and every one of them, especially Alijha’s. Van showed him all the entrances and exits of the camp. The secret place by the helicopter terminal where the camp’s arsenals are kept. He taught him everything in that camp. Jr kept a sharp eye towards Dika because he was now an obstacle towards achieving his goal. However, Dika was always on his toes because something in Jr always stole his peace. He always felt uncomfortable around Jr.
Though he didn’t show it, he began to fear Jr more than Alijha. Even the rest of the crew members had the same feeling, they bowed and highly respected him.
“Look, I want you and me to help each other. I am a trained assassin. I am here on a mission, and I want you to help me execute it.” Jr begged.
“What do you want me to do? Are you out of your mind? Look I have helped you settle in, that’s the far I can go.” He responded with a lowered voice.
“You’re very naïve Van…”
“I only need you to be my ear, and eye and I will pay you for it.” He said desperately.
“That’s all you want from me?”
“Yes, Van that’s all. Don’t fear anything, you’ll thank me later.” Jr said, assuring him and Van silently thought about it. For they were now very close to each other; though he didn’t want to risk his life for the sake of their close friendship.
They then went to the dining room where the rest of the crew had gone to. Alijha was not there. Van and Jr got in and sat next to each other as usual.
“Martin remain behind after the meal. I need to discuss something with you.” Jr said with a smile, but Martin’s chest pounded. He wondered.
“Why do you want him alone with you?” Jad barked.
“I run my affairs in my own way.” They all looked at each other as if they didn’t understand. One by one, they went out of the dining room, and he ordered Van to remain as well. Martin then came and sat next to him to hear what Jr wanted to tell him.
“I don’t know why you’re so scared. I just need you to provide me with this month’s bank statement of the two accounts.” Jr said to Martin.
“OK, I’ll produce that,” Martin said kindly.
“Thank you, you can now go.”
“What are you doing Jr?” Van asked.
“Focus on what we agreed on. I told you I am on a secret mission.” Jr said, looking at him to stress his point.