1 Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Before February this year I had a flourishing business, importing goods for the market. My major area of specialization was the importation of used vehicles or as we preferred to refer to them; 'Tokunbo' cars. A good trade; I hear you say? Yes. It was prosperous. What I earned, especially in this new political dispensation was appalling with civil servants now owing cars.

I am a family man. And I am blessed with a beautiful wife and three kids – William, seven, Frances, six, and Naomi, four. Healthy, strong kids attending good schools. And by the grace of God, my wife was also managing a little provision shop. Small wonder then, when she came to me and told me that she wanted to expand into a supermarket. I was supportive. And even, glad with the initiative.

"Emeka," she called out to me in the quite before the morning sunrise, that time was our best discussions; she believed "Expanding into a supermarket will need more money."

I knew this. But there must be something else she was hinting at, so I remained silent waiting for her to land. But she insisted to make sure that I was listening, "Emeka are you there."

"Vivian, I heard you", I said voicing that I was awake and listening. "How much money do you need?" I added.

"I and carol made the estimate at 1.5 million Naira, but it could be more." She said. Carol was her very good friend and was quite familiar with our kids.

"Vivian, you know I put all my money into this next deal," I reminded her. I don't have this kind of money."

"I know, but this is the best time to stock the goods and get started. I've even found a space, kind of a warehouse and the landlord is desperate."

There was silence expect for the ticking off the clock. We both listened to it for a while. Then I continued.

"What will you want me to do?"

"I know you have friends, you can go borrowing." She said.

As a student of proverbs I concluded; "And go sorrowing?"

Ah-ah, you and these proverbs, I'm serious o." "But 1.5 million Naira is a lot of money for me to spare now," I insisted, "in short I don't have it anywhere or where I could get it from now.

"What about that friend of yours…..what's his name?" she recalled, "the one that works at the bank."

The idea was good. Not that she had this, plotted out for selfish reasons because I know my Vivian, it was all a bid not to remain idle like other housewives and probably take up more responsibilities at home. I'm really proud of her.

"Okay, you mean Richard?"

"Yes. Richard, I'm sure he will help after all, what are friends for?"