A FEW DAYS LATER
Governor Buike Robinson's face filled the screen, resolute and determined.
'Hello, Everyone. I know you have heard the news. But, as myself, and team have investigated, this was a ploy by the opposing party. The video going around the internet speculating that the depraved man in that video is me is completely fabricated. Thankfully, our law enforcement has been working tirelessly to eliminate these preposterous accusations and actually bring the offender to book. But what I want you to know is that I will not relent. I will keep fighting for the safety and progress of both the nation and the people and do right by you all. One Life! One people!'
The video clip ended with a sharp cut, his face fading to black. The female presenter, Anita Kamara, shuffled the crisp papers in her hands, her manicured nails catching the studio lights. She straightened her posture, her dark blazer hugging her frame as she looked straight into the camera with practised poise, her voice steady and authoritative.
'Good evening, dear viewers; this is Anita Kammara with the evening special news on ESN (Epic Sensational News). Early this evening, Governor Buike Robinson came out in person to speak on the controversies surrounding him. According to him, this is a ruse by the opposing party to denounce and taint his image. But he assured the people that the law is working to bring justice to the women who have been affected by this foul situation. He has promised to keep fighting for the people, no matter what stands in the way.'
She paused, touching her in-ear piece with a subtle nod, her expression shifting to one of urgency as the broadcast feed updated.
'Just in, the police have a suspect in their custody regarding the leaked rape tape videos, who has confessed to committing the heinous acts and disguising it as the Governor. According to him, the man in the video is Governor Hanye Nazor of FPP (For the People Party). Hanye had allegedly paid the suspect a huge sum of money to edit the videos to make it look like Governor Buike and leak the contents to accuse him. From what we gathered, the suspect brought evidence to show that Governor Hanye was actually the one in the video. We are now connecting to our colleague Kambi Jide who is live at the police station now. Kambi, can you please explain the situation over there?'
The screen split, revealing Kambi Jide standing amid a chaotic swarm of reporters outside a bustling police station, the evening sun casting long shadows over the concrete barriers and flashing camera lights. Microphones thrust forward like spears, and distant shouts echoed in the background. Kambi adjusted his tie, his face flushed from the heat and frenzy.
'Ah yes, Anita. It's crazy here. As you can see, news reporters have gathered together for the news. We have managed to secure the original footage of the actual culprit. We would be playing the actual video, so viewer discretion is advised.'
The video came on the screen, raw and unfiltered, showing Governor Hanye's face clearly—his features twisted in a mix of arrogance and depravity. The women, their faces and nudity neatly pixeled out for broadcast standards, lay scattered like discarded puppets in a dimly lit warehouse. He was butt naked, his skin slick with sweat under harsh fluorescent lights, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he exhaled thick plumes of smoke that curled lazily toward the ceiling. 'Move them out,' he barked, his voice gravelly and commanding, pointing at the women he was finished with. They were clearly still bleeding, their bodies limp from whatever drugs coursed through their veins. The helpers—burly men in dark clothes—handled them roughly, shoving and pushing with callous indifference, their grunts mixing with the women's faint, muffled whimpers. Although a majority of the video was blurred except for Governor Hanye's unmistakable form, the scene was profoundly disturbing, the air thick with an unspoken horror that made viewers' stomachs churn. The clip looped briefly on key moments, emphasizing the brutality before cutting back to Kambi, who looked visibly shaken. Before long, the internet erupted. Social media feeds flooded with hashtags like #HanyeExposed and #JusticeForTheVictims, memes and outrage spreading like wildfire. Soon, Governor Hanye's name was trending everywhere, dominating timelines and forums, and the police swiftly arrested him amid a media storm, his defiant scowl captured in viral photos as he was led away in handcuffs.
Tonna just got out of the bathroom, steam still wafting from the open door behind him. His white towel hung low on his thin waist, droplets of water tracing paths down his smooth, hairless chest and abs, glistening under the soft glow of his bedroom lights. He was wearing a shower cap, its plastic edge slightly askew, and the faint scent of sandalwood soap wafted in the air. The big 4K LED SMART TV mounted on the wall was on, tuned to ESN news, its high-definition screen casting a blue hue across the room. He paused mid-step, towel in hand, as he watched the unfolding drama; his phone rang, vibrating insistently on the bedside table. He walked over, his bare feet padding softly on the cool hardwood floor, and picked it up. It was Arnold.
''Boss, have you seen the news?!'' Arnold's voice burst through the speaker, laced with a mix of excitement and disbelief, before Tonna could even say hello.
''Tssk..... they really don't waste any time,'' Tonna replied, his tone irritated but edged with a reluctant admiration. He ran a hand over his damp skin, feeling the tension in his muscles ease slightly. But then again, he was grateful for the man not letting him down—Buike's swift counterattack was a masterstroke.
''This totally worked in their favour, boss,'' Arnold pressed, his words tumbling out quickly, like he was pacing on the other end.
''I guess it did,'' Tonna said, his eyes flicking back to the TV where analysts dissected the footage, their voices a low hum in the background. The news kept reporting, the presenter's voice cutting through:
'Aphrodisiac was found in the room along with the cable ties used to bind the women. They have been sent to forensics for DNA testing. Also, they had managed to extract semen from some of the women. It's currently being tested as well. The warehouse where the crime took place is reportedly one of Governor Hanye's properties that he allegedly transferred to his deceased niece's name.'
Tonna chuckled into the phone, the sound half annoyed, half amused, echoing slightly in his spacious room.
''How convenient of them to quickly gather this much evidence just a few days after the video came out. I have got to hand it to him, though. His PR team is certainly something, and he definitely did not disappoint me.''
''Boss, the way things are going, Governor Hanye will certainly be going down for this. What should we do? Should I go pay him a visit?'' Arnold asked, his tone tentative, probing for direction.
''No, just stand your ground,'' Tonna instructed firmly, his mind already racing ahead to the next moves. Arnold knew he shouldn't question it, considering who his master was, but somehow, the boss's actions still managed to surprise him to this day. This was clearly not what they had in mind; the man was intelligent, using the public to shift blame. Now was the time to strike, but why was the boss saying not to do anything? He thought, biting back his doubts.
''Yes Boss!'' he said anyway. He could never question his boss's decision. Everyone knew he was a crazy one.
''How about the other thing? Did you find out?'' Tonna asked, shifting the towel slightly as he moved to sit on the edge of his king-sized bed, the silk sheets cool against his skin.
''Yes, boss! Apparently, this miser Buike was just a servant of General Jeozi. Miss Alicia, the only daughter of the retired army field marshal Joezi Kaeto, was then engaged to be married to the general's protege, Lieutenant General Kanyi Madu. But a few days before they were to wed, he was caught, imprisoned, and tried for treason. And then, instead of him, Miss Alicia married Mr Buike on the wedding day. Meanwhile, Kanyi was sentenced to death by firing squad immediately after the wedding was finished. And that is how Miss Alicia came to be known as Mrs Robinson. It is said that Miss Alicia loved Kanyi so much that she had never smiled since her marriage.''
Tonna immediately began laughing, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room.
''So he's been a snake from then on, huh?'' He leaned back, staring at the ceiling, piecing together the web of betrayals.
''Boss, you think there's something strange with Mr Madu's case too?'' Arnold asked, his curiosity piqued.
''Check the records on what actually happened back then. Also, I need you to check the governor's children with Mrs Robinson.''
''Yes, boss!'' Arnold said before hanging up. The rottenness just kept getting deeper. The whole thing definitely was fishy, and Tonna would get to the bottom of it all. He scoffed, tossing his phone aside, and went to get dressed for bed, slipping into loose pyjamas that whispered against his skin as he replayed the day's events in his mind.
NEXT DAY AT WORK
The office buzzed with the low hum of keyboards and murmured conversations, sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Redwick skyline. Tonna strode in, his tailored suit fitting like a second skin, exuding quiet authority.
''Kyle, this is Amy. Amy, this is Kyle. From now on, she's my PA.'' He introduced Amy to Kyle, who politely shook Amy's hands, his grip firm but warm, a smile revealing his dimples that softened his sharp features.
''Nice to meet you, Amy,'' he said, his voice smooth and professional, though his mind raced. Why does the boss have another PA again? He thought. It was a female this time around. Since he knew the boss, he never kept a female close to him regarding work. They always complicate things. So he was surprised when he saw Amy, a very beautiful woman with a fantastic shape, working with the boss—her chocolate skin shining subtly under the office lights, her small, dainty face framed by soft eyes and full lips. He suddenly became worried. Tonna looked at him and scoffed, reading the concern in his eyes like an open book.
''Don't worry, she's not here to take your job.''
Kyle seemingly relaxed after hearing that, his shoulders dropping as he exhaled. He has been the boss's PA for the longest time, so yeah, he was worried that the boss was replacing him and he was going to lose his job.
''Got it, boss. Welcome aboard, Amy,'' he added with a genuine nod.
''What time is the meeting with R&D?'' Tonna asked, checking his watch impatiently. Kyle looked at his own timepiece, a sleek digital model.
''In seventeen minutes, boss.''
''Give her the documents,'' Tonna said to Kyle, who immediately excused himself and then came back with a thick folder, its edges slightly worn from handling, and handed it over to Amy. She offered a small smile in appreciation, her full lips curving just enough to show politeness.
''Get the car ready.''
''Yes, boss!'' Kyle said, immediately rushing out, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.
''Amy, grab the folder and come with me.''
''Yessir!'' she said, her voice so clear and steady, like a bell cutting through the office noise. She turned around to pick up the folder on the table, her movements graceful in her fitted blouse and skirt. She didn't notice her boss looking her over, a satisfied look on his face—appreciating her poise, the way her chocolate skin caught the light, reminiscent of someone from his past—before turning around and walking away. In the car, the boss was sitting in the back, on his phone, his fingers tapping rapidly on the screen. Kyle was driving, navigating the busy Renwick streets with expert ease, horns blaring faintly outside the tinted windows. Amy was sitting in the passenger seat, the leather cool against her skin, the faint scent of new car polish mixing with the city's distant smog. Thinking back to when she returned from Ms Kim's place, she realised how lonely she felt since the doctor, Racheal, and her brother had gone back to working at the hospital. Although thankfully, Tony's wrist had healed up nicely, he had been diagnosed with Carpal tunnel syndrome. But he was happy being a nurse and using what he learned from taking care of her and applying it in his field. They had exchanged numbers and kept in touch with each other, but they were all busy working recently, and they haven't been chatting much. Mr Ziko had prepared her outfits, and the butler had informed her that she'd be Mr Ziko's assistant and work with him. At first, she had been so nervous around him, her heart pounding every time he spoke, but thankfully, she was able to remain professional about it. Every day after work, she would take a taxi back home. Since she didn't want anyone to know she was living with the boss. It was her first time meeting Kyle. It seemed he had been away the week she came into work and just returned. Also, she had noticed that his staff, especially the females, very much admired Mr. Ziko. She noticed the ogling stares, wishing for what they couldn't have. Not only that, but she also noticed the fire-blazing stares from everyone else when she was walking beside him—jealousy flickering in their eyes like embers. The past week, her job was basically to receive guests into Mr. Ziko's office and serve them, pouring coffee with steady hands while avoiding eye contact. During work hours, she hardly interacted with him except when he was going to meetings within the office and needed her to print some documents, or type some documents up that would have her fingers flying over the keyboard in quiet efficiency. This was the first time that he was bringing her outside the office for a meeting. She was still nervous around him, a flutter in her stomach like butterflies, but thanks to Ms. Kim's teaching, she was managing it very well—breathing deeply, focusing on the tasks. She was even more grateful because he was rarely at home or even if he was, she wouldn't have a clue. The house was so big she never knew if he was in or out, and she never ran into him, the vast halls swallowing any chance encounters.
The car ride was so quiet and awkward, the only sounds were the hum of the engine and occasional traffic, but thankfully, within the next fifteen minutes, they made it to their destination—a sleek corporate building with glass facades reflecting the afternoon sun. As soon as she got out, she let out a sigh of relief, the fresh air hitting her face, which Tonna caught, making him chuckle softly, a rare glint of amusement in his eyes. She flushed from embarrassment when she saw he caught her moment, her cheeks warming under his gaze. With Tonna in front, both she and Kyle walked behind him into the building and into a meeting room, the air conditioned space cool and sterile, polished tables gleaming under recessed lights. Inside the meeting room, Tonna sat at the head of the table facing everyone; there were about seven people in the room, their faces a mix of anticipation and focus, laptops open and notes scattered. Kyle took the seat closest to him, and she had to sit at the edge of the room, away from everyone else, her folder clutched tightly as she observed the meeting unfold.
MEANWHILE
''Kaira, guess what? I have just been promoted to a new job role!''
Duru spoke excitedly into the phone, his voice bubbling over with joy, the words rushing out as if he couldn't contain them.
''Argh! That's great news! Congratulations, babe!'' Kaira's response came back warm and genuine, her laughter tinkling through the speaker like wind chimes.
''It's all thanks to you,'' he said, his tone softening, laced with affection.
''Mmm? Me how? I did nothing,'' she teased, her voice playful, imagining her tilting her head with that flirtatious smile he loved.
''Oh, you did plenty, my love. Since I married you, my life has literally turned around. There are so many good things happening that I can't even bear to be apart from you,''
Duru replied, his heart swelling as he paced his living room, the afternoon light filtering through curtains and dancing on the floor. He gave her a big kiss on the cheeks, and She smiled sheepishly at him, or so he pictured. '
'Darling, get dressed right now; I am taking you out.''
''Huh? All of a sudden?'' she asked, surprise colouring her words, but he could hear the excitement creeping in.
''Yes, now go hurry!'' He turned her around, gently pushing her upstairs into the room, and closed the door before he rushed back downstairs. In the next few minutes, they were at Niphorac, a very expensive high-end jewellery store, its facade all gleaming marble and gold accents, the air inside cool and scented with polished metal and subtle perfumes.
''Welcome, sir/madam. Would you like some help?'' The shop assistant smiled and asked politely, her uniform crisp, her eyes bright with enthusiasm.
While his wife was looking around, her soft eyes wide as she took in the sparkling displays cases lined with diamonds that caught the light like captured stars—Duru fished out his phone and showed the shop assistant a small, dainty necklace he had customised. The lady smiled, recognising it instantly, and rushed off to bring the necklace, her heels clicking softly on the tiled floor. She handed it over to him in a velvet box, its weight satisfying in his palm. All this while, his wife was unaware of what was happening, her attention captivated by a row of earrings that shimmered under spotlights. He hid the packaged necklace in his pocket and walked over to his wife, hugging her from behind, his arms wrapping around her waist, feeling the warmth of her chocolate skin through her short bandeau dress.
''See anything you like?'' he asked while kissing her cheek, his lips lingering, inhaling her scent— a mix of vanilla and something uniquely her.
''Babe, this store is very expensive though,'' she spoke concerned, turning slightly in his embrace, her full lips pursed in thought.
''I don't mind. As long as you like it, I'll buy it,'' he assured her, his voice low and reassuring, his toned hands gently squeezing her sides. She turned around fully and held his hands, looking at him thoughtfully, her soft eyes searching his.
''Babe, I know with your promotion comes a bigger salary. But we should be saving instead of spending aimlessly.'' Her words were practical, but there was a spark of temptation in her gaze.
''Babe, I really want to buy you something before I leave. You don't have to worry. We still have some savings left, and buying you something from this shop won't deplete them,'' he encouraged her, his thumb brushing over her knuckles, feeling the dainty structure of her fingers.
She bit her lips, a habit he found endearing, and turned around, her eyes darting excitedly over the cases of jewellery, the lights reflecting in her pupils like tiny fireworks. She spotted a small pair of earrings, delicate twists of metal and gems that seemed to whisper elegance. The store attendant, wearing black gloves that contrasted with her pale uniform, came over and brought out the pair of earrings she had been eyeing, carefully setting them down in front of her on a velvet tray for a better view. She held them out in front of them, the pieces catching the light and casting rainbows on the counter.
''You have very good taste, Madam. This is the last piece of jewellery of this brand from Cece's Designs,'' the attendant said, her voice smooth, informative.
''Wait, Cece, isn't that the designer whose suicide caused controversies due to his problematic lifestyle and all his estates were confiscated?'' Kaira asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she recalled the scandal, her playful nature giving way to curiosity.
''Yes, unfortunately, the one and only,'' the attendant replied, nodding solemnly.
''However, these series were already out before the scandal. This one is the last piece of his work before his passing.'' Kaira's eyes glistened, drawn to the earrings' luxurious and delectable look, which was rare in Cece's works—usually so sturdy and bold.
He was a brilliant designer, but his wayward lifestyle was his downfall. His brand was huge, and he worked with lots of celebrities and influential people both within and outside the country. His works were always known to be elegant, exquisite, and durable. No matter how small they were, they always had their own charms that made them stand out when paired with any outfit. He was very much loved and respected, that was until he was found to be having sexual relationships with minors for a long time. This caused a massive scandal that led him to lose endorsement deals and orders. He suffered heavy losses and lawsuits from these people till he went bankrupt from settling these lawsuits and dealing with his losses. His estate was confiscated, and his business was taken over. He lost everything. To make matters worse, the news kept reporting on everything he was going through, and people bashed him both online and offline. They dragged him so much that he couldn't stand the humiliation and loss of everything, so he committed suicide. Even after he died, the hate train continued and even moved to his family. They did not relent as they found him a disgusting human being and boycotted all of his designs. It was a shame, though, as his designs would still sell for a high price because they were just insanely beautiful and unique.
''I'll take them!'' Kaira said immediately, her voice firm with decision, a thrill in her tone. The shop attendant held them to the light, and they were practically glistening, the way the light bounced off of them giving a magical glow that made her heart skip. The attendant immediately packed it carefully in a satin-lined box, and they paid before leaving, the transaction smooth, the card swipe echoing softly. While in the car, Kaira kept looking at her new purchase, a big smile on her face, her fingers tracing the box's edges, when she noticed her husband hadn't started driving.
''Babe, why aren't we moving?'' He pulled out the necklace he had bought earlier, still hiding it beside him. He turned his body halfway so he was facing his wife, the leather seats creaking slightly.
''Babe, promise you won't be mad, okay?'' She looked at him, and a glint of worry appeared in her eyes, her playful assertiveness giving way to concern.
''What have you done now?'' He slowly brought out the necklace, to her surprise, and opened it. She gasped so loud because sitting in that box was the prettiest, sparkliest, petite, and delicate necklace she had ever seen. The stones were expensive white iridescent sapphire crystals with a small pendant in an image of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, its details etched finely, catching every ray of sunlight filtering through the car windows. Her mouth hung open as she stared at them, afraid if she touched them, they would break, her breath catching in her throat.
''I had this made a couple of weeks back. It was supposed to be a wedding gift for our honeymoon, but it was delayed due to some hiccups along the way. But now it's here, and it goes perfectly with those earrings of yours,'' Duru explained, his voice tender, watching her reaction with bated breath. Kaira just sat still, unable to move, as tears streamed down her face, tracing shiny paths over her chocolate skin. Surprised, Duru quickly put the necklace away and made to clean the tears from her eyes with his thumb, but she lounged herself into his arms instead, sniffing, her body pressing against his in the confined space, her g-string shifting slightly under her dress as she clung to him.
''They- are-e s-so b-eauti-iful-l bab-be-e,'' she said in between sniffs, her voice muffled against his shoulder. Duru held her and smiled, relieved, his hands stroking her back, feeling the rapid beat of her heart matching his own. In that moment, the world outside the car faded, their spontaneous connection igniting once more, a reminder of how she had boldly steered their first meeting into something passionate and life-changing.