He traced the photograph in his hand with his fingers and sighed at the smooth feel of it. It was the picture of a woman. The face that had been hunting him for years and now graced the walls of his parlour and even sitting on some of his furniture.
Each of the photos captured different moments. Some had her smiling, some in the middle of discussions. There were some of when she was very angry. He still had memories of moments when her anger had been directed at him. He usually did everything to bring back that smile to face. The one that usually warmed his heart and pulled at every strings in it.
How he longed for those special moments again. And this, was his most recent one of her. One of his men, back in Nigeria had taken one of her. In it, she wore a sad look, one that threatened to stir a painful past, one he had tried so hard to bury for years. Her eyes that once had the brightest shine he knew, had dulled and even though he noticed a faint smile or an attempt at smiling, it appeared dead. He tried to put the photograph away but somehow still held on to it, admiring her. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. But why did she look so sad? He probably knew why. Though he had instructed that none of his men should follow her into private places, he still couldn’t help feeling like a stalker.
“Shehu, we found her. She’s presently in Lagos.” His right hand man and the closest thing to a friend informed him as soon as he walked in. He had heard the door opening but had not bothered to look up until he heard that.
“Is she fine?” The words came out in a rush as he put away the photo. “Yes, but she was involved in an accident. She should be discharged soon judging by how long she’s been admitted.”
SubhanaAllah. Shehus ran his hand over his clean shaven head. “Hamza, book us a ticket for tomorrow morning.” His friend knew not to argue. In the years he had spent with Shehu he had come to see him as not just his boss but a friend and even a brother. But he wondered if Shehu was ready to face it all. The reasons he had left Nigeria for Australia in the first place. He knew this was the year he had wanted to go back but the plan had not been to up and leave as such short a notice.
“To Lagos?” “No, to Abuja. I have to take care of something first.” Hamza nodded. He understood what he meant. “Let me inform the others to pack up.” Shehu put out a hand to stop him. “No, they will stay. Faisal will holdout things, until it’s okay for them to join us, that’s if everything work out as planned back at home and we don’t need to come back.” Hamza nodded again. “I will get us a flight then.” He left, leaving Shehu standing, wondering if he was ready to face all his fears. Shehu had spent years wondering why she had upped and left. He had needed answers badly, one that no one could give him, except her. Now, he was going back to get them. He was tired of watching from the shadows.
****
...To be continued.
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