CHAPTER FOUR
The death of Paul Effiong quickly became another major headline across media outlets. Once again, the police swung into action, determined to uncover the perpetrators.
Sandbay Resort buzzed with reporters, top government officials, and officers of the police force. The forensic team combed through the area, but the fingerprint specialists had very little to work with.
Detective Hassan Ibrahim stepped aside, pulled out his phone, and dialed his friend, Inspector Kolapo Moses.
"Hey man! Hit me up with the details," Moses' voice barked through the speaker.
"You need to get down here, man. Your boys are here, but they won't find much. And honestly, I can't trust them with the information I've gathered. Let's meet. And guess what? From what I have so far, it looks like we finally have a lead, something that might end this menace," Hassan replied in a low, urgent tone.
"Thank you, man. I appreciate you. Let's meet up tonight at my place," Moses responded before the call ended.
Detective Hassan was leaving Sandbay when a group of men in suits approached him.
"Excuse me, please. You're the private investigator, right? Mr. Hassan Ibrahim?" one of them asked. Judging by his posture, he appeared to be the leader.
"Yes, I am. How can I help you?" Hassan replied.
"Of course you are," the man said with a broad smile as he flashed an ID badge. "I'm Tim Alfred, head of the State Security Service. It's an honour meeting you. Do you mind if we ask a few questions regarding the crime scene?"
"I'd love to help, but at the moment I have nothing to share. If you don't mind, I have a few tasks to attend to. Perhaps we can talk some other time," Hassan said politely.
"That's fine by me," Tim responded. They exchanged complimentary cards, and Hassan got into his car and drove off.
As soon as the vehicle disappeared from sight, Tim brought out his phone and dialed a number.
"What do you guys have?" the voice on the other end asked.
"Nothing yet, sir. But we ran into the private investigator, Mr. Hassan. From the look of things, he seems… off. I have a feeling he knows something he's not willing to reveal yet. It might be useful. I'll keep a tab on him."
"Good job. I'm proud of you guys," the voice replied. "Keep your eyes on the detective and monitor his every move."
"Yes, sir," Tim said before ending the call.
The funeral of Mr. Effiong attracted some of the most influential figures in the nation. Governor Afolabi attended with his entourage, as did Abubakar Mohammed and Desmond Okafor. Don Kingsley, the business magnate who had supported Paul's early ventures, was also present. Tim Alfred, representing state security, stood among the dignitaries.
Inspector Moses arrived with members of the police force, alongside Detective Hassan and their mutual friend, Daniel Nnamdi. Though everyone present claimed to be there to pay their last respects, each person seemed to carry a motive of their own.
"I hope we get to the bottom of this case," Inspector Moses muttered wearily. "I can't endure another wave of public criticism claiming the police force is incompetent."
"Relax, brother," Hassan replied calmly. "We're close to cracking this. This case will soon be dead. I'll give everything I have to uncover the people who murdered my family."
"Is that Don Kingsley?" Daniel asked suddenly, eyes fixed on the businessman standing across from them.
"You know him? It's reported that he's extremely rich," Hassan said, his gaze now locked on Kingsley as well.
"That's what he wants people to believe," Daniel replied quietly.
"What do you mean?" Moses asked, leaning in.
"He is a drug lord," Daniel answered quietly. "He runs a major cartel in Lagos. I worked for him back in my teenage years on the streets. I doubt he remembers me, but I know him well. Don Kingsley owns several establishments including Safe Haven Hotels."
"What?" Ibrahim and Moses exclaimed, eyes widening.
"Shouldn't he be arrested?" Ibrahim pressed.
"No. Not yet," Daniel replied, voice dropping. "There's nothing substantial to hold him. The man is a ghost, covers every track, cleans every spill. And I can't risk landing on his blacklist. So… as far as anyone is concerned, this conversation never happened."
"Wait. Hold on." Ibrahim suddenly lit up, excitement breaking across his face. "If Don Kingsley owns Safe Haven… does that mean he's an accomplice to the Pentarchs? Or is he ignorant of their meetings there?"
"I doubt he needs them," Moses added. "He's influential himself. So either he's unaware of their schemes, or… the Pentarchs are the ones funding him."
Daniel burst into laughter, shaking his head. "That's impossible. Don is filthy rich, he doesn't need funding from anybody. His money moves mountains."
He calmed himself and looked at Ibrahim. "So… what exactly are the Pentarchs?"
Moses and Ibrahim exchanged a look, one heavy with caution. Moses gave a subtle nod, granting Ibrahim permission to continue.
"On the night Paul died," Ibrahim began, "I found a note on his table. It read: 'Agent Shadow and the Embassy send regards to the Pentarchs.' We have no idea who Agent Shadow is or what the Embassy represents but they're targeting Pentarch members. Before Paul was killed, he met his brother here at Safe Haven. Right after his brother left, he was shot. We searched everywhere for the brother but no trace. Likely fled."
He paused.
"I've been keeping tabs on the Pentarchs. They're influential men planning to seize political power. And funny enough… they're all here today."
Daniel's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"Moses' father was a member," Ibrahim explained. "Paul too. The others are the Governor, Mr. Desmond Okafor, and Mr. Abubarkar. They use Safe Haven for meetings. That strongly suggests Don Kingsley is involved in this web somehow. To solve this case, we need to bring Don in for questioning and find Paul's brother. He holds answers."
Daniel's face lost color. "Why would the Embassy target them? And is there really no clue about Agent Shadow?"
Moses responded, voice steady. "We retrieved Paul's phone. There's enough evidence to implicate the Governor but we're moving carefully. We still haven't cracked Agent Shadow's identity. Any premature move could crash the entire case. The Embassy may want to replace the Pentarchs… or the Pentarchs may have crossed them in some unforgivable way."
Daniel swallowed hard. "What do you know about Desmond Okafor?"
"Desmond?" Ibrahim raised a brow. "Interesting man. Allegedly arranged his brother's murder to seize control of Giant Afrika. But there was no solid evidence, so the case died. The only survivor was Godwin's son and he vanished. No one has seen him since."
A cold shiver ran down Daniel's spine. Ibrahim noticed.
"Relax," Moses said with a reassuring pat. "You're safe."
They all laughed lightly, easing the tension.
"So what's next?" Daniel asked.
Moses answered, "My men will continue searching for Paul's brother. Ibrahim and I will visit Don Kingsley tomorrow. You can't come, you have history with Don, and we don't want to risk blowing the operation."
Daniel reluctantly nodded.
After the funeral, while others exchanged pleasantries, Daniel quietly observed the crowd. His eyes landed on Tim Alfred, head of State Security. He approached him and introduced himself as a friend of Detective Hassan's.
Tim welcomed him warmly, and after a brief conversation, they exchanged complimentary cards.
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After their father's murder, Chike and Edwin grew up together until their teenage years, when their paths split. Edwin joined the military, seeking discipline and purpose; Chike drifted into the streets of Lagos, eventually selling drugs and running covert errands for Don Kingsley's cartel.
Chike quickly rose through the ranks. Don's right-hand man favored him above the others. The boy was smart, loyal, and precise. Whenever a promotion opportunity surfaced, Chike's name was the first to be called. Within a few years, he had been granted access to restricted warehouse sectors marked "No Entry," and he used every chance to engrave himself deeper into Don's trust.
Then came the day that shook him.
Don ordered Chike to attend to the VIP guests in the private lounge. Chike walked in… and froze. Sitting comfortably, surrounded by four elite figures, was his uncle Desmond, the man responsible for destroying his family. The transformation in Chike's appearance saved him; Desmond didn't even spare him a second glance.
Chike discreetly recorded the scene on his phone before walking out, heart pounding and hatred igniting like wildfire. Vengeance began to breed in him, whispering possibilities he'd never dared entertain. Over the next two years, he tracked the movements of all five men, gathered intel, learned their weaknesses, and mapped their routines. He was patient. Calculated. Deadly determined.
One evening his phone rang. Don Kingsley himself was calling. Chike's chest tightened; Don had never contacted him directly. A thousand fears flashed across his mind, had someone exposed him?
He entered the office and found the Don staring blankly at the ceiling, face heavy with worry.
"Sit, boy," Don said quietly.
Chike obeyed.
"Son," Don exhaled, "I don't know how to tell you this. It has weighed me down for weeks."
"You can tell me, Sir. I'll help however I can."
"Are you sure?" Don asked, searching his face.
"Yes, Sir."
Don hesitated, then leaned forward. "A police officer has been monitoring me. Threatening to expose me if I don't surrender myself. He doesn't have evidence yet, but the way he watches me… it's only a matter of time before he finds something."
Chike swallowed hard. "What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to kill him tonight," Don said calmly. "He lives alone. No witnesses. Make it clean. Leave nothing behind."
Chike's blood ran cold as Don explained the details.
When he left the office, his mind was a storm. He had never killed before. But another voice inside him whispered: This is the step you need. The path to Desmond. Do this… and you'll be ready.
He gathered his tools and headed to Officer Mike's house.
The place was exactly as Don described: quiet. Music blasted from inside, so loud it masked the sound of Chike pushing the door open. Mike was in the living room, wine in one hand, phone in the other, lost in celebration.
He turned and barely had time to react before Chike lunged. They crashed into a glass table. Punches flew. Mike fought hard, but Chike's desperation and training overpowered him. With trembling hands, he strangled the officer until the body went limp.
It was done.
Chike fled to a nearby bar to steady his nerves. His mind kept replaying the scene, Mike's eyes, his final gasp, the cracking table.
He called Don. "It is done," he said.
"Well done," Don replied with a sly smile Chike could hear through the phone.
Chike was still shaking when two sharply dressed men approached his table. "Excuse me," one asked, "do you have a power bank?"
He hesitated, then fished one from his bag.
"Thanks. Mind if we sit?"
He nodded.
"I'm Ibrahim Hassan," the first man said warmly. "Detective."
Chike forced a smile. "I know you. You're quite famous. I'm Chike… a salesman."
The second man extended a hand. "Moses Kolapo. Police officer."
Chike's heart skipped. He forced a grin. "Son of Kehinde Kolapo, right? Your father is loved. A philanthropist. Wouldn't be surprised if he signed his will to charity instead of you."
Moses stiffened, offended, but kept calm.
Ibrahim leaned closer. "Are you alright? Your hands are trembling."
"What do you mean?" Chike snapped.
"They're shaking," Ibrahim said gently. "You look… unsettled."
Chike forced a laugh. "I'm fine."
Just then Moses' phone rang. His expression darkened. "We have to go."
"What happened?" Ibrahim asked.
"One of my partners… Mike. He's dead."
Chike's face drained of all colour.
"Do you know him?" Moses asked.
"No," Chike managed. "I just… get uneasy when I hear about death."
Ibrahim sighed. "Didn't he propose to his girlfriend this evening?"
"Yes," Moses murmured. "Another tragedy."
They returned the power bank, thanked him, and hurried out.
Chike sat frozen, heart pounding so loudly he thought the whole bar could hear it.
He had just shaken hands with the men who would hunt him if they ever found out he was the one who murdered their friend.
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Edwin's rise in the military was rapid; his discipline and hard work paid off, earning him steady promotions. He was even deployed as part of the governor's convoy. One night, after returning from the military camp to his house, he was shocked to find his brother waiting for him.
Chike had told Don's right-hand man that he was quitting the business to pursue a personal task that had been keeping him awake at night. Don did not take the news well. He tried to persuade Chike to stay, Chike was one of his best young men but Chike was adamant. Don had no choice but to let him go and told him to keep in touch.
"What are you doing here?" Edwin asked, locking his gaze on Chike.
"Well, I've come to give you a greater assignment, brother," Chike replied.
"You haven't changed, have you?" Edwin asked rhetorically. They laughed and embraced.
"What shall I offer you before we get down to business?" Edwin asked, opening the fridge to fetch a bottle of Crystal Heaven and two glasses.
He poured the wine and they drank in silence, staring at one another.
"It's been a long time, twelve years since father and mother were killed by our uncle," Chike said. "I can't extinguish that gruesome image from my mind. My heart pounds whenever I remember that day."
"You've got to let that hurt go, brother," Edwin replied coldly. "There's no joy in holding on to grief. You won't move forward this way, you must let it go."
"I don't think I can," Chike answered. "Not when I'm this close to repaying them for what they did to our family."
"What do you mean by 'they'?" Edwin demanded, eyes widening.
Chike sighed. "All those responsible for our parents' murder. I'm going for them, one after another. They won't see it coming. I have one piece left to the puzzle and then I'll begin payback."
"Fill me in," Edwin said. "I have no idea what you're planning, but whatever it is, I warn you: desist. I stand with the law. If you're found on the wrong side of it, I won't hesitate to do the needful."
"Seven years, brother, seven years! You left and never looked back. Did father mean nothing to you? The law did nothing. Why weren't the killers brought to justice? I'm tired of being told what to do. I'll take the law into my own hands, and I won't rest until I kill every one of them even if it costs me my life. I'm doing this with or without you." Chike stomped out.
Edwin sank into the couch and drew a deep breath. He worried for his brother and feared losing everything he had built.
He couldn't sleep that night; the argument replayed itself endlessly. Chike spent the night strategizing, desperate for his brother's support. Then his phone rang.
"Little brother, what did you say about our father's death and taking the law into your own hands?" Edwin asked sharply.
"If you want an answer, you'll have to find me," Chike replied. They laughed and the call ended.
Edwin tendered his resignation from the military on personal grounds and left behind everything he had worked for. He recruited four men he'd been watching, and together they formed what became known as the Embassy group.
Chike met Edwin in a private warehouse and told him everything he'd uncovered about the Pentarchs. Edwin was stunned. Chike also recounted his ordeal with Don Kingsley, leaving Edwin baffled.
Edwin revealed that Don Kingsley ran a syndicate supplying ammunition and funding to criminals. He'd been on their radar for a long time but was never pinned down. Don knew how to tie up loose ends. If Don was connected to the Pentarchs, Edwin said, he would have no second thoughts about killing him; it would be for the greater good. Chike confirmed that Don hosted the Pentarchs at his hotel, but he was still working to discover the exact nature of Don's role.
"Does that mean the Pentarchs know about Don's activities?" Edwin asked.
"Most likely," Chike replied.
"I met our uncle with the governor," Edwin said. "He visited the villa to see the governor. That convinces me you're right. I understand now."
By arrangement, Chike was not to reveal his identity to Edwin's recruits. He would give instructions through Edwin, and whenever they went out, he would dress in a black corporate outfit, a black hat, and keep his face covered.
Edwin adopted the codename X, while Chike became Agent Shadow. The four others took the names Leo, Big Sam, Young Wolf, and Kelvin.
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Kehinde Kolapo had just won the PRP primaries and was hosting a celebration at his home on 13 Kennedy Close. A day earlier, his son Moses had been appointed Commissioner of State Police, and his colleagues planned a party the next day at Elora Hotel to celebrate the feat. Moses opposed the idea and insisted on staying with his father during the celebration, but his friends persuaded him there was no harm in attending both events so he would not miss either moment.
Unbeknownst to the guests, the Embassy was plotting the assassination of Kehinde Kolapo, part of Chike's vow to take down every member of the Pentarchs responsible for his parents' deaths. The big names in town turned up for the party; music roared from the four corners of the room, and members of the Pentarchs and the PRP mingled to celebrate. The celebration was massive.
Ibrahim and Daniel came to the house to meet Moses so they could go to Elora Hotel for his separate celebration. Moses drove with his wife and two children and Daniel to Elora, while Ibrahim went home to pick up his family and then head to Elora.
All manner of food and drink were served at the Kolapos' grand party. Guests flaunted their exquisite collections and wealth for anyone willing to look.
Four hours later, after dismissing their families, Moses and Ibrahim called for a car to return them to the Kolapos' home so they could rejoin the party, one of the cars then returned to Elora for the gents. As the night wore on, the atmosphere began to fade: the music tempo dropped, guests started leaving, and the once-busy house grew quiet, an obvious sign the party was ending.
Kehinde Kolapo spent a little more time chatting with colleagues and members of the Pentarchs before they excused themselves to leave. When the noise finally died down, Kehinde took his daughter-in-law, grandchildren, and Ibrahim's family up to the top floor to wait for Moses and Ibrahim's return. Meanwhile, Edwin and his men had stealthily entered the building and hid, waiting for the right moment to strike.
When silence fell, they came out to hunt for their prey. They searched the rooms thoroughly and silently eliminated anyone who stood in their way. Mr. Kolapo was stunned when the bedroom door flung open. He rose and approached, only to be confronted by five masked men. Trying to remain composed, he smiled weakly and offered them a glass of wine.
"Thank you for your benevolence. Save it for your next life," Leo said coldly.
"What do you mean, gentlemen? I've done nothing to deserve this," Chief Kolapo pleaded, falling to his knees.
"Really? You haven't wronged anyone?" Edwin shot back, eyes hard.
"Please, don't do this. I have money, plenty of it. I'll give you whatever you want. It's all in my room on the second floor. Please, don't harm me." Kolapo lay down on the floor and begged. The children and women watched, terrified.
"This is pathetic," Edwin said, pacing. "We didn't come for this. We came for your head, Chief Kolapo, for all the evil you've done and the harm you've caused society. But you've brought seven others to your graveside." The children trembled and the women begged, but Edwin ordered his men to kill them all in front of Kolapo. When Kolapo saw what had been done, he surrendered to fate and demanded they kill him as well.
Edwin grabbed Kolapo by the neck, looked deep into his eyes, and warned, "The Embassy is coming for every member of the Pentarchs." Then he threw Kolapo back to the floor and finished him with a shot to the forehead. The team left the building as if they had never been there.
Hours later, servants arriving to clean were confronted with a scene of carnage. The quiet silenced by the silenced guns used by Edwin and his men, the servants found the family sprawled in blood and called the ambulance and the police. News of the massacre spread quickly, and Moses's celebration at Elora Hotel was abruptly interrupted. He could not believe what he heard; his face fell, and Daniel had to console him before driving him back.
Chike was furious with Edwin for ordering the massacre of the entire family, but Edwin defended the action, insisting he couldn't have spared any of them because they were all with the chief. With Daniel's support, Ibrahim and Moses mourned and steeled themselves to bring whoever was responsible to justice.
After the Pentarchs met with the Chairman of the People's Representative Party to discuss Kolapo's death and a proposed replacement, they tightened security at their homes and became more vigilant. At Paul's suggestion, Governor Afolabi recruited the Nightmen into the State Security Service and disguised them as security agents in the houses of each member of the Pentarchs.
Chike was not convinced by the information his brother had given about the four recruits. He conducted a background check and was shocked by what he discovered about Leo. He began trailing Leo and watching his movements, then shared his findings with his brother. Edwin denied prior knowledge and once more affirmed his trust in Leo.
When Edwin told the team their next target would be Paul Effiong, Leo froze because Paul was his older brother. Perturbed, Leo began searching for ways to contact his brother and warn him about the Embassy's plan to assassinate him.