Brian began to narrate the story. "Well, this is how it happened: Jimmy, Kitgum''s butler, is my brother. Same father, same mother! I visited him recently at Kibonge's residence. And when Jimmy introduced me to Kitgum and mentioned that I had once served in the defunct air force, he became interested and began to talk kindly to me. As it became clear that I was unemployed and we were becoming friends, Kitgum asked me if I was interested in a job that would earn me a good sum of money. I saw the opportunity to earn good money and agreed. But then he wanted me to confirm if I was ready to kill someone for half a million shillings."
There was a pause. Brian regarded Rex who was listening keenly.
"Go on," urged Rex.
"I asked him the name and address of the man he wanted assassinated. It was then that he told me that the person to be hit was a soldier of the defunct air force like me. He gave your name and address; I was temporarily shocked. But I made a quick decision. I knew I could never bring myself to kill a fellow soldier for the sake of money, especially having gone through hell during the August 1st mutiny that ended our military career."
Another pause. Brian's dark eyes studied the two men who sat facing him.
Then he continued, "I knew you during our time in the armed forces and greatly admired your talent and reputation with a gun. I also realised that if you got wind of the fact that I was sent to kill you, then I would stand no chance against you in a showdown. Your sharp reflexes like the old western cowboys or gunslingers left me wondering whether or not I should take the job."
"Go on." This time it was Chuck who was urging him.
Brian resumed his tale: "That was when I resolved to inform Chuck whom I knew was a close friend of yours so that he would let you know about the contract on your life. But when I agreed to take the job, I stressed that I had to have the full sum otherwise I wouldn't touch it. He was reluctant at first, but finally gave in to my suggestion when I told him he would take ages to find someone who could take the job. So he paid me a cool half a million shillings and insisted on a perfect job being done. And I have some of the money here with me as you can see. I can now buy a farm and go to live in the countryside and do farming. I've always liked agricultural business."
Brian came to the end of his tale and fished out a roll of hundred-shilling bills from his coat pocket. Smiling, he said, "And I will also now order a round of beer for my comrades."
"Thanks a lot for being sympathetic, loyal and saving my life, Brian. Let's spend the rest of the evening drinking as I also buy you more beer," Rex smiled as he signalled the waiter for more drinks. "If it were not for your firm belief in comradeship in the defunct air force, I would now be a dead duck."
The three men burst suddenly laughing.
Then Brian said, "It would probably have been me, so we must both thank each other for our friendship and the ethics we learnt in the armed forces. But whatever action you take, you must not cause any harm to Jimmy, my brother."
"I can't do that!" Rex said, "Through him, we've uncovered the plot against me."
They went on drinking until ten o'clock that night, and then Brian bade them farewell as he had promised to see his girlfriend that evening. He liked women and beer; he had already had a few bottles. So why not see his woman?
He left, but the other two men remained drinking—they were birds of a feather who would only leave when they were satisfied things were going on well along the way.