Chioma decided to continue walking, her footsteps echoing rhythmically on the sidewalk. She wanted to avoid encountering Felix, knowing he would try to convince her to go on a date with him. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the air was thick with the smell of exhaust fumes and street food. She quickened her pace, glancing back every few seconds, hoping to flag down a passing taxi to escape any potential encounter. Reaching a row of brightly coloured stalls overflowing with fruits and vegetables, a prickle of unease ran down her spine.
Like a scene from a movie, ten figures emerged from the shadows, their black coats blending seamlessly with the gathering dusk. The glint of metal caught her eye—long, menacing bats held by each figure, except for their leader, who concealed a pistol beneath his coat. Panic surged through Chioma's veins. She knew she was being followed. With a burst of adrenaline, she lunged for her bag, her fingers fumbling for her phone while her legs pumped faster. She swerved into a narrow alleyway, hoping to shake off her pursuers, the sound of their heavy boots close behind. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead, blurring her vision as she dialled Chisom's number, her voice breathless with fear. The men continued to follow her from a distance, but she knew that evading them would be challenging.
'Hello? Chioma, do you need help? Don't tell me you ran into Felix and now you're giving me an SOS,' Chisom chuckled over the phone.
'Chisom, I'm nearing The Johnsons Filling Station. I don't know how I managed to get here, but I'm being followed by at least ten men dressed in black coats. Please send Stanley to come and investigate. I can't find his number in my phone,' Chioma pleaded urgently.
'It's really an SOS,' Chisom gasped. 'Stanley received a call and left. I'm not sure where he went.'
'Okay,' Chioma panted breathlessly as she hung up and sprinted towards a nearby supermarket, choosing not to head to Andrew's workshop. She didn't want to put her brother in danger while trying to save herself.
'Hurry up and catch her!' a tall, broad-shouldered man ordered angrily. 'Don't let her escape!'
Chioma gasped, her mind racing with questions. Why were they after her? What could she have possibly done? Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she continued to run, desperately seeking a way to evade her pursuers.