CHAPTER SIXTEEN

In that month, life in the camp was smoother for him. He and Alijha got along well, except Dika and who was always insecure around him. His bond with Van became so intact. He avoided too much mingling with other crew members. He was on a mission, and he had to be wise and awake.

Alijha then decided to give Jr a senior position above all the crew members without first consulting them. He did this to find out if his grandson can be a trustworthy heir of his throne. Jr was now the leader, and some of the crew members began to accord him the reverence he deserved. But Dika was against that decision, Jad was diffident about it too, they considered it an error.

Martin; the crew accountant, the one who shot Jr’s father, and he knew very well about it, he said to him, “Give me a detailed record of the cash flow.” Martin never expected Jr would demand that.

“Let me first of all update you about this; we have two accounts…” He took a breath.

“The main account is in Yemen, and the other one is in Sweden. The one in Yemen is around three million US Dollar, while the one in Sweden is around a million US Dollar.”

“Incredible. A healthy financial status… Your eyes are tired, you need to rest Martin... You know I’m aware you’re the one who shot Vincent Senior?” The words choked Martin’s throat, he couldn’t answer. He wondered how his future with Jr in that camp would end up like.

“I was just saying, I wanted you to see the other side of the coin for you to understand how I had managed to deal with it when I was growing up. You can go and rest, I’m releasing you.”

“Thank you, sir.” He went away with a wounded heart. Jr was working out his plan perfectly. He intentionally created tensions within the crew so that he can easily accomplish his mission. He knew he couldn’t easily deal with Alijha without first creating ill-fractions which dis-unifies them.

Jr called Dika to his room, and he came armed, a pistol was hanging from the waist. Because he was sceptical about Jr and Van had already warned Jr about him, he is very quick to shoot. Dika stepped into Jr’s room with purpose and attitude.

“Ooh, you’re already here,” Jr’s voice freaked out.

“Yes.”

“There is the seat, please.”

“I don’t want to sit down. Say why you called me quickly, there’re lots of things I need to do. You have to know that your position is not above mine.” He said while facing him audaciously.

“Where are your manners...?” Jr asked with an angry voice. He then pulled out the pistol and shot Jr on the ear and blood gushed out this agitated Dika. He held his bleeding ear, trying to stop the blood. He was so shocked, but he never shed a tear.

“Boy, you don’t know me, and you don’t have a clue of what I am capable of. I could have killed you if I wanted to, only that you’re Alijha’s grandson... mind your steps Jr,” he said while stepping out of the house leaving him frozen in fear, blood all over his bed.”

Since his arrival, Jr had not yet been to Alijha’s palace because it was located away from the crews’ hostels. A very spacious and exquisite palace with a sweet breeze from excellently designed orchards.

One day as he was walking across the palace entrance, Alijha saw him and called him. He had heard about the conflict between him and Dika. He wanted to try and resolve it wisely.

“Hi, grandson, how are you?”

“I’m fairly well, can I kindly see her grave?” Jr asked softly while his eyes wandered around, beholding the splendour of his palace.

“Who’s grave?”

“My grandmother’s?”

“Follow me,” said Alijha. They walked, the grandpa leading while the grandson following.

“Is this my father’s grave?” Jr asked with a very sad voice.

“Your father was a very generous and compassionate man, who cared so much for the poor and the less privileged. Alijah said with an apologetic voice while they proceeded to the grave of Jr’s grandmother.

Jr began to imagine Alijha’s grave lying in there. He wished they could bury him the next day. He also imagined what would happen after Alijha’s death.

“Your grandmother was buried here.” He said while standing beside the grave.

“You’re the one who also took her life? Your own daughter’s mother... Do you know that you’re going to be answerable for all the blood you’ve shed? You really deserve to die too.” He said with an unsteady voice which demanded an answer. Once again Jr embittered and agitated Alijha. He wondered what Jr was up to.