9 DEATH THREAT

I walked in.

"Here comes a man who is a radical voice against evil men and their system." Dainel said.

I stood with a praise smile plastering on my face.

"A man that openly challenges the wicked and heartless political leaders." Ayomide said.

"He exposes the corruption and the oppressive laws of the government." Peter said.

"He attacks the system of education that brainwashes the people." Precious added.

"Oh I see, you've all seen my blog." I dropped my bag and sat down.

"Yeah I told them to." Mercy said.

"Oh that's good." I pecked her on her left cheek.

"Your really good, like I had to read everyone of your posts, I love the fact that your blog criticizes false religion and its dogmatic teachings, denounces the militaries and all other warmongers, I also like the fact that it does not condone police brutality and extra judicial killings and it disgraces the greedy persons who run commercial enterprises." Esther said.

"Oh that's great to know you've seen several of my posts, so what do you love about my blog, Joy."

Joy was seated at the end of the desk, busy on her computer.

"Well I've read some," She said while typing. "And I love the fact that it does not support obscenity, sodomy and bestiality. It strongly opposes abortion, molestation and child abuse. It fearlessly speaks against rapists, murderers, thieves and extortioners and it warns the senseless people who are polluting the earth."

"Bro you just be killing every word on your blog, like it make sense die." Kingsley admitted.

Everyone nodded and accepting the fact that I am a good blogger.

"Bestie," Emmanuel that just came to work puts his hand on my shoulder. "A blog that encourages human beings to love one another, a blog that stands for morality, freedom, equality and justice, a blog that reveals the lies that the hypocritical society has taught us should be the blog of the year, do you agree with me?"

"Yes we do." They said simultaneously.

"Am happy, blog records events so that future generations will know the truth." Peter said.

"Ah your right." Ayomide nodded.

Mercy that was seated next to me held my hands and alarmed. "When we have kids, they will live in a better country that is what my future husband is fighting for."

My colleagues began flattering me with words, bringing joy and life to the room. This came as a big shock to me as Mercy knelt down on one knee with a ring on her hand to propose to me.

"Micheal, you bring me joy and laughter, you make me feel like home again, smile I have forgotten, you bring it back again. Never could I have thought I can smile the siren call, smile that comes from within. My heart, my soul and my being, I come to love you unconditionally, do you feel the same? Would you look beyond my flaws, pass my shortcomings, would you still love me, knowing I can't give you everything, needs that I can't satisfy, would you still love me then? I love you even in your darkest hour, you are perfect in my eyes because my soul recognize it's other half for you are my soulmate, am I yours? If yes, Micheal will you marry me?"

The air was still, all I could hear was the voices of my colleagues hailing me to say "Yes". Random thoughts, like ocean sand shift and rearrange inside my head, drifting ever farther toward unknown, only to find their way back home. Action seems mute, indeed am speechless but I had to fight words out of my mouth.

"You know that I care for you very much, and I think our relationship could really grow into something wonderful. I just believe we need to see how things develop before we consider such a life changing commitment. I really do love you, and I'm not saying no."

The expression of her face turned sour.

"Sure, um... Your right, we should give it time." She said surly.

"You okay." I asked.

"Yeah sure."

My boss Jessica Hellen walked in.

"Micheal," She called out my name. "In my office."

What seem to be the problem? Perplexed and confused, I stood up, followed her as we headed straight to her office and sat down.

"I found this scribbled note on my desk." She handed me the note which read;

To Micheal Samuel

Mr 'B'logger, writing to change Nigeria indeed. Lol! What you don't know is that Nigeria can never change so stop trying.

You'll just end up offending me if you keep doing that and when am offended, you may not know what will happen next.

Back off now cause it may turn bloody, even murderous. You know, politics is a dirty game, why are you getting involved with your writing, you don't know what goes on. Mind your business and focus on working at Microfinance Bank.

Anonymous.

"This sounds like a death threat." I muttered.

"Micheal, what is this I just saw, are you a blogger?"

"I happen to be."

"Oh you happen to be." She laughed a bit.

"Yeah I just started it recently and it hasn't even gain recognition so I don't understand a death threat coming from someone, I love blogging and am not backing off."

"So you are adamant on continuing even though someone isn't happy with it. Do you want to put your life, not just your life but everyone around you in danger. One of the bankers told me that he saw a man with a hoodie wearing a facemask, walking in here and leaving this note not too long ago. I am really not happy with your decision as a writer cause I don't want any problems."

"Trust me, there would be no reason for you to complain Ma, I will have this sorted out."

"You better do cause it seems like this person has been following you to know you work at Microfinance. Oh I just remembered, I have a friend, she's a detective, I think she'll help you out."

"Oh that's good."

She picked up her phone. "I'll just give her a call and tell her everything."

Hours later.

The banker who sighted the man, my boss and I welcomed the tall, dark haired detective, after shaking hands, we all sat down.

Detective Kebe Victoria took out a pad and a pen.

"Have you been receiving notes from the man."

"No, today marks as the first time."

"Can you describe him for me atleast."

"Yes uh, I actually drew a sketch of him before you came." Pollyanna the banker said.

"Sure, let me see."

The banker handed her the notebook as the detective started going through the sketch.

"And the note, can I see it."

"Sure." I pointed at the note that was right in front of her.

She picked it up and analysed the daisy - chain handwriting, seeing it emphatically announced that "Micheal Samuel is a blogger." She traced her finger over the word 'B'logger, the 'B' punctuated by a fat circle, as if it were a balloon that might light off the note at any moment.

"Thanks for your information, I will carefully look into it and get back to you, I'll have to take my leave now."

She stood up, holding the note and left.

"Am not sure she will even look into it, this is Nigeria." Pollyanna said. "You have to be careful of what you write, death threats need to be taken seriously."

"His adamant on continuing." Jessica said.

"You can't blame me if I choose to do the right thing."

"It's left to you." Pollyanna shrugged.

"Micheal." Mercy called from outside of Jessica's office.

"I found this on your desk beside your computer, have a look."

I stood up and wanted towards her as she handed me the note as I read.

"What does it say." Jessica and Pollyanna both asked.

"Micheal you have alot of explanation to do, I don't understand what's going on." Mercy said.

"Come inside, I'll explain everything to you." I adjusted the chair for her to seat. "Can I get you a bottle of water."

"Sure."

The fridge is situated close to the window. I took the bottle water and I looked at the window. A man was staring at me wearing a hoodie and a face mask, behind the facemask I could see a smirk plaster on his face.