Hard Man

23

"Do you want to kill me, Chioma?"
    — The General

"Major Danjuma is dead," the President said solemnly. "He was found dead in the bathroom at Tefiti.

Babalola sat up, the sleepy haze clearing immediately from his eyes. "Who died?"

"Danjuma," the President repeated, adding volume to his voice. "He was found dead in Tefiti. In the bathroom."

Tefiti was the President's private golf course, and only the elites and rich went there. Major Danjuma was part of the inner crew the President had formed five years ago to take down the criminal business, but ever since the President softly banned Babalola from all their meetings, he had not seen Major Danjuma. A cold feeling spread through his body, as realization dawned that what he expected was finally happening. He wasn't pained from the death of Danjuma, but he knew, soon, it was about to be his turn. He wanted to immediately call Damola and tell him everything he suspected, at the same time, he didn't want to involve Damola in this.

"Hello?" The President called. "General Babalola, you're not saying anything."

Babalola shrugged, forgetting for a second that the President couldn't see him. "It's life," he answered. "We come and we go. An autopsy should be carried out."

"I thought so too," President Anini answered. "However, his family insists that there won't be an autopsy. He's a Muslim and would be buried today."

Babalola said nothing, especially since the President was his top suspect. He didn't know what exactly was going on, but he suspected heavy foul play. "I just hate that it was done in my course. In Tefiti," the President continued. "People are always quick to point fingers. I'd hate to be held responsible for a death I have no hand in."

This time, Babalola laughed. "You don't have to worry, Mr. President. The truth always prevails. We will know who did this, sooner rather than later."

The President paused. "Okay. Would you be at the burial? It's by four pm."

"I'll be there."

"Okay. I'd like to speak to you in person. There's something I want to discuss."

"Okay." Babalola modded and hung up. He lowered himself on the bed, a thoughtful expression on his face. There was a nagging force drumming deep in his belly. It was time to sit up and find out what these people were up to. Now that Major Danjuma was dead, Babalola knew that others will follow. He was also aware that he was on the list, that's if he wasn't next. But they couldn't kill him off, no matter how hard they tried. He picked up his phone to call Damola, but coincidentally, a call came in at that very moment. It was from Daniel. Babalola contemplated for a few seconds before taking the call.

"Baba, did you hear?"

Babalola frowned. "Of?"

"Danjuma's death," Major Dan answered. "I just heard he died last might in the toilet at the President's course. What's that about?"

"I wouldn't know," Babalola responded. "I just heard too."

"We really should be careful," Major Dan said.

"You've not called me in weeks since you've been off site," Babalola said. "But you're the first to call me to announce Danjuma's death. Do you like bearing bad news?"

"Oh, come on," Major Dan laughed boisterously. "I've been off site for weeks and have been unable to call anyone, not even family. I just came back to town today, and would be back in Abuja in two days."

"What about the report?" Babalola asked.

"It would be on your desk latest by tomorrow morning."

Babalola's finger hovered on the end button, but Major Dan's next question caused him to freeze. "How's Chioma?"