CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The forest became denser as he approached the camp. He dimmed the headlights. He wondered how he’ll be welcomed by Alijha and his crew. That was supposed to give him the right to freely enter in. The light reflected on the large silver gates of the camp. He slowed soles he approached the gate. The gatekeeper signalled him to drive in since they knew the car. He lowered the window as he drove in. The crew guys who were standing nearby got surprised to see Jr driving the car. Van met him and greeted him, and the other guys didn’t bother. Instead, they went away and continued with their duties. While Jr was there chatting with Van, they saw Elijah leaving his palace walking in their direction.

Jr whispered something back to Van. Alijha then turned and didn’t bother to come and greet Jr, perhaps he didn’t realize it was driving the car.

“Let’s go Alijha will see, you tomorrow morning,” Van said while getting into the car to go and show Jr the room he will spend the night in. Van Zyl unlocked the door and waved him in. It was stuffy and untidy, for it hadn’t been occupied for a very long time. Van quickly swept it and rushed out to go and fetch clean mattresses and blankets for him. While standing in there, Jr noticed a framed photo that hung on the wall. It was covered with dust and webs. He wiped out the dust and got shocked, it was his father and mother’s, photo, holding hands. He took it and held it close to his heart. Emotional memories began to lingering his mind.

Van came back and they both feathers dusted the room and cleaned it up. He prepared his bed and promised him a thorough cleaning of the room would be done the following morning by the camp cleaners. Van then bid him goodnight.

Early in the morning, he was woken up by a knock on the door. “Who is there?” 

“Van.”

“Come in please.”

“Good morning Jr, how was your night?” was superb, thank you for the courtesy.”

“You’re most welcome. Alijha wants to see you.”

“Where?”

“They’re waiting in the dining room, I’ll take you there.”

 Jr jumped into jeans and followed him. Van opened the door for Jr to enter. The crew raised their eyebrows. Jad gasped knowing who was entering. Their lips vibrated in greetings. He struggled to give a genuine smile. He suspected they were all Alijha’s, right-hand men.

“How possible can the entire world with its armies fail to take down such a small crew?” He asked himself with so much concern. A suspecting silence crept into that room the moment Jr walked in. This bothered him so much, he could see their fake smiles as he was directed to the seat. Immediately breakfast was served. The kind of food he loved, and it was his mother’s favourite meal. While he was eating, Alijha commanded Jad to introduce the crew to Jr. He arose and, “On the, e our right is Van Zyl. Then this side, we got Martin, the twins, Dau, Wan, Wakaya, Com, Tom, and Dika.” They all lifted their hands as their names were mentioned.

“I suppose you been told. I’m the son of Vincent and Mary Alijha-Vincent.” He said while keeping his gaze on his food. The rest of the crew responded with a nod. Jr’s word pricked Alijha’s heart.

“It wasn’t necessary for you to say that Jr,” he added with an annoying voice.” A sudden silence engulfed the dining room. They all looked at each other. Van was now like a blood-brother to Jr. He wanted to protect his friend as much himself because he knew what Alijha was capable of. Van also felt the pressure.

“I told them, they must know that I’m not a stranger here,” Jr said boldly he pushed his plate aside. Alijha gave him a stern look, nodding his head.”

“They only needed to know your name period.” He said with a raised voice while fisting on the table.

“Grandpa?”

“I still wonder what’s bringing you here… I’ve given you enough money...” He said while leaning on his chair. “Nothing, all I want is just, to be part of you.” He said while fixing his gaze on him.

“Excuse me, can I leave now?” Jr said while pushing back his seat to stand up and leave. They all remained silent and watched him go out through the door. Alijha shook the head, is pleased by the young boy’s guts. He wondered why Jr didn’t show any sign of nervousness in their midst, but he could see the stubbornness of Vincent Senior in him. “Who brought this boy to this camp? For what reason?” Alijha asked with a deep voice. They all shook their heads.

“We saw him appearing at the gate, and we thought you were the one who permitted him to come, that’s why I ended up preparing a room for him and...” Van said softly and paused, “Let me go and see if that lady who was cleaning where he lodged is done, “Van continued then excused himself and rose up following Jr. He found him standing by the door waiting for the cleaner who was almost done cleaning the room. Van smiled at him but didn’t want to ask him questions. Jr looked at him and smiled back.

“You want to rest?” Van asked.

“Yes, just to relax a bit.”

“OK, I was just coming to check if all is well with you, this lady is almost done. You will have a good rest.”

“Thank you so much, Van, I really appreciate that.” Van then returned to the crew. Jr gave himself a pat on the shoulder, feeling proud that his mission was heading to the direction he desired. He got in immediately after the cleaner was done. She did an exceptional job. It had been days without talking to his girlfriend, mother and younger sister.

But in that camp calls were not allowed; incoming or outgoing, there was no network in that area. He hoped they were not very much worried back home.

As he lay on top of His bed, he fell into a deep sleep. Two hours later, he had a dream. The old man cheered him up and told him he would be happy if he could demolish Alijha. He promised Jr that he will always be with him for protection until the mission is accomplished.

“I will only rest when I see Alijha dead.” He said to Jr with a sorrowful voice.

“As long as you’re with me, I will bring him down,” Jr assured him.

“Where is he?” His deep voice thundered in the room. He asked Van as he made his way to the table. The room that used to belong to his father.

“Van, why are you so much concerned about Jr’s welfare. Should I believe that he is here because you’re the one who directed him?” Van’s heart began to beat so fast. His lips vibrated. Alijha suspected.

“No boss, only that when he arrived, I was at the gate and when I saw him driving your car I confidently believed you’re the one who directed him here.” He said innocently, and it calmed Alijha.

“But who directed him?” He diverted the question to the rest of the crew.

“The person who gave him the car might be the one,” Van said.

“Dika can you take the car and rush to the lodge and found out who authorized Jr to take the car and directed him here.” Dika immediately stood up to do as instructed.

Jad then went out as if he was rushing to the toilet. He went straight to Jr’s room. He knocked and then stepped in.

“Jr.,” He said with a concerned tone.

“I’m listening.” He responded as he sat down up straight on the bed.

“What do you really want here?”

“I should be the one asking you this question... but I’m here because this is a family business? I got a right to be part of this.” Jad never anticipated that kind of response.

“Jr, I’m trying to help you… Can’t you see what you have gotten yourself into? Think of Ninny. Think about your mother and you could have thought about them before you came here. Once in, there is no way out.” Jr giggled.

“Listen. Let your boss know about this.” Jr paused, and took a deep breath.

“I know you’re scared of him. But I’m not. Can you now leave so that I may rest please?” He banged the door.