Chapter 23

One of his men brought me a bouquet. I've never had a bouquet before, and I never planned to have one, because that's one of the things you'll hardly see me crave. I was just not your regular woman.

"There is no space for that in my home," I replied. "I'd rather hang out with you tomorrow than accept a bouquet."

He smiled and signaled the soldier to return the bouquet, and the soldier did.

"Okay then." He scuffed. "I'll return tomorrow. I just hope you don't change your mind, rich man's daughter."

He whined up the glass, and gently-gently, the jeeps left in a single file, including the soldier who had come to call me out for the general.

"Will you hang out with him?" my driver asked. "Remember he has wives and children who wouldn't mind casting stones at you if they see you with him.

"Shut up and go inside," I ordered, but I went inside before him.

Stubborn fool.

***

"I want you to call the charity manager, and tell him to cancel the appointment I have with him," I said as I walked into the living room. "Tell him I had an emergency I should attend to."

"Are you leaving with the general?" Maria asked while heading for the phone.

"No." I looked at the desk. "Cancel all engagement for this week. I won't be home for a couple of days."

She paused. Leaving the house for a long while is what she hated the most, because my father complained a lot about it, and Maria, thought she could just walk up from my father's office and become a mother to me.

That's laughable, but I never made her feel she is only but a handmaiden to me and shouldn't be so concerned with where I go.

"Also, try your best to keep off from my room, I don't want anyone meddling with what I have there," I added to the list of don'ts I had for her and strutted away.

I watched her while I climbed the stairs. She, too, was watching me even with the phone held to her right ear. Her eyes were funny, so funny when they looked at me as though I was a kid brother she could pull to her side and restrain from stepping out. That was quite silly for Lord's sake.

"Desole, ma madame a annule le rendez-vous." I heard her say on the phone and drop the phone. she wouldn't come to my room to help me select a dress this time, because I didn't invite her.

Ipushed open the door of my room, walked in and shut it, locked it, and walked away from it. once in the wardrobe, I did my usual stunt and the door gave way. I was yet to receive signals, but I prefered operating from a hotel room to operating through my house. I selected the black gown. It was once tagged the widow gown, the day I was caught in the camera during an operation.

I had bulletproof paddings that had saved me time without a number in those days of active duty. Today, I picked it up again, the black tigress was back, and the widow gown would be worn again in the city of Abidjan.

I selected a few things I needed, including two handguns with silencers, seven jark knives, two black gloves, and the black boots that made no sound even if I stamped them on the floor, but the pack was not yet complete. I went for my mask and a second suit. I was ready.

***

I packed them fast and carefully. I had a hotel in mind, a big one not so far from the big hospital where I was attended to because I had plans of checking in to get myself an HIV prevention pill, because of what I had last night with the doctor I barely knew so well.

"Very well." I sighed and wiped my face. This wasn't planned for, but what good is the plans if I can't make them in the hotel? I went to the wardrobe and chose big women's clothes that suit my status as a philanthropist and politician.

I dropped them, and only then did I need my handmaiden, Maria.

***

She came in, both excited and sad. She didn't know when I would come back, I didn't know, too, all I prayed was to have a successful mission, if I did, then, I qould hit home before going for the charity retreat.

"Have you informed the driver of what you are up for?" she asked.

"I booked a chauffeur and a big car," I replied.

She smiled and descended on my face the way I liked it. mild makeup, because I never wanted to look like a Japanese bride whose face is painted so hard she looks like a masquerade.

"You need a mascara today." She said but got no response. Sometimes, my lack of response meant nothing but yes. She did all she knew to do best, and soon, I was ready to leave.

"Ma'am." The driver knocked at my door. "Have you sacked me? Another car is here to pick you up."

My driver didn't just act and talk like a lady, he was also as jealous as them.

"Yes, you can take your things and go home." Came Maria in laughter.