CHAPTER ELEVEN

A few days later, Michael was alone in the room. Uche had gone out to buy something for Chief's wife.

Michael was eagerly checking his schedules to know the best time he would be free so he could meet madam gold.

The following day seemed to be perfect, it was a sanitation day in the market. People were mandated to keep their shop areas clean. This usually takes the whole morning period and afterwards, business activities continue.

On sanitation days, Chief doesn't go to the shop because he considers it a half day. Only his boys go to the market.

Michael picked up his phone and beeped Madam Gold. In no time, she called back.

"Good evening ma'am."

"How are you?"

"I'm fine, I just want to tell you that I'll be free tomorrow."

"That's nice, by what time?"

"From 8:30 am to 11:30 am."

"Perfect! You will wait for me at that bustop by 8:30, I'll come and pick you up."

"Ok ma'am."

"Till tomorrow dear."

"Alright, ma'am."

Michael ended the call when he heard footsteps.

It was Chief's wife, she heard him answering the call though she couldn't place her hand on what exactly he was saying. She was uninterested.

"Uche isn't back yet," she enquired.

"Yes, ma'am."

"What could be keeping him?"

Chidi was mute.

She then left.

She was about to enter her room when Uche brought what he bought in a black nylon bag and handed it over to her.

"What kept you this long?"

"The woman didn't have change and I had to wait for her to get one."

"OK."

The following morning, Michael wasn't fast with his morning duties. He kept delaying till Uche finished preparing.

"Why are you taking so long today? Be fast, I can wait for you Ooo."

"Don't wait for me. You can go, I'll meet you there"

Uche waited a little and later left.

Michael quickly finished up what he was doing and prepared.

He wore that necklace that Madam Gold gave him the previous day.

When he was about to leave the house, Chief's wife saw the jewellery on his neck and was dismayed but she didn't say a word.

Michael had left when Chief's wife was seated alone wondering what she saw on Michael's neck.

"That's a 24-carat gold chain that this boy is wearing. Where did he get it from? I know he can't afford it and I can't give him such an amount to buy it. I'll find out."

Michael got to the bus stop around 8:35 a.m. and met Madam Gold already waiting for him in her SUV.

Michael entered the car.

"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," Michael apologised.

"No problem."

She started the car and they left.

I'm

Vincent

The son of a nobody