Black Widow

By CHIBUIKE GODWIN EZENWA

Black Widow is a fictional novel about a young girl, Nancy, raised in a very violent neighbourhood. The violence against women, especially the killings of two women, disoriented her greatly. As she grew up, she began to develop concealed morbid fear and disdain for men and wished greatly that men would be made to pay for their wickedness against women.
Though she maintained some sizzling relationships with men, the end of those relationships was acutely bitter. The fact that she was responsible for the destruction of the men in her life even made her experience much bitter. It became a twisted irony. She witnessed the revenge on some men as she fancied, but was sad she was helplessly the prime weapon and recipient of revenge.
When she came at her waterloo, she reckoned her salvation will be found in marrying the first man she ever truly loved, Lancelot.
In general, the detective novel is a thriller that revolves around family, relationships, love, and violence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Oct 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781466996212

CHIBUIKE GODWIN EZENWA

Chibuike Godwin Ezenwa was born in Nigeria. He is a trained engineer and has a profound love for literary activities. He has written a number of short stories.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Y oung, innocent, the little girl witnessed a murder scene for the second time in two weeks. Both scenes were very horrifying. The first had been a man knocking life out of his wife for infidelity. The cudgel he used was a shinny heavy metal.

The second involved a couple with a reputation for quarrelling. Neighbours know them for their carping tongues. They have known yells since the very day they noticed them move into their apartment. They knew things were really getting out of hand when the husband of the woman, a man with a good sense of dressing, started dressing shabbily, with hairs disheveled. The manner the man ended his wife’s life was more cruel. He stabbed his wife to death—eight was the number of the stabs.

The tiny girl saw the killings with a listless and fragile mind. At eleven she couldn’t really understand exactly what’s wrong with her neighbourhood. A neighbourhood where people kill in the open. She couldn’t make much out of the killings too. But evidently she was demoralized. The events wrecked and devastated her inside. There was a retrogressive and sinister inward reorientation. The rapid emotions that welled in her bosom happened unconsciously, but the aftermaths were very much established. They were deep-rooted. Looking up the sky, as though making a complaint to a super being, she earnestly looked forward to seeing the day when those men will be made to pay for their acts.

CHAPTER ONE

I t was really a very busy day for the staff of Alpha Telecommunications, A-Telecom. The new Minister of Communications, Mr. Timothy Ezigwe, had paid a visit to the premier service provider company. This was part of his familiarity tour of the key players in the communication sector. He was there also to commission the company’s newly acquired communication satellites.

One man was particularly so happy about the day’s event. That man is Mr. Bright. He is the General Manager of the company. He couldn’t just hide his happiness, it was very evident through the giant smile he was wearing as he was seeing the minister and his entourage off.

At the central office of the Maintenance Department, the quadruple of Nancy, Dele, Kelvin and Ijeoma were doing their last lap of the day’s job. Dele seemed to be the most tired of the four. As if to prove this, he let out a prolonged yawn without bothering to cover his mouth.

Kelvin and Ijeoma exchanged glances, with the latter stifling a laugh. Both then looked in the direction of Nancy. Everyone in their department knows that Nancy is touchy, even with trifles. Dele’s was no exception.

Contrary to their expectations Nancy managed to mutter, Maybe we will have to get you a robot to be helping you close that mouth of yours when need be.

No one could hold back the laughter that was already building up. They couldn’t help laughing at Nancy’s remark, not with when they expected her to keep mute as is always the case.

I am terribly sorry your honour, was the retort Dele found, before concluding we have to make the budget for the robot soon.

Though Nancy will always mind such behaviours, she seems to be mild and even caring when a woman is involved. Just last week Ijeoma was down with catarrh and was singing atishoos all day long. Nancy apparently not comfortable with the situation offered her a handkerchief.

Nancy may be irritated easily but at the same time she is one of the best brains in her company. Her expertise in her field is not questionable.

After her primary and post primary schools in Lagos, she had gone to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka for her university education. Her father, Mr. Oshimili, had always insisted that only tertiary schools in Southeastern Nigeria would do his daughter good. Her mother is still having problem understanding the good her husband meant. Lagos has already molded your daughter, she would tell her husband those days. She would go on by saying, Allow her stay in Lagos, there are just very little good and bad left that Lagos is yet to offer her.

In the end Nancy was to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Awka. She had always been a brilliant student both in her primary and post primary school days. The case was not different at the university.

At Awka she stayed with her aunt, Mrs. Iriebe, throughout her study. Nancy often described her as a strict disciplinarian. It wasn’t so easy for her, not with her adventurous nature. At a time during her later days in the university, she contemplated moving into her own apartment. Something her father would not approve of.

Nancy is not only brilliant; she is equally beautiful and elegant. She has these peculiar, sparkling brown eyes, the best set of teeth caged by lips that seemed to be chiseled by the best of sculptors. Same lips also reveal a pleasant voice and a rare contralto whenever she talks. All these are housed in a body painted with an alluring shade of chocolate. Her poise and gaiety is just superb. To some she is a goddess and a siren.

And so it was that Nancy became irresistible anywhere she went. She has lost count of the number of men that had paid her attention, even as a little girl. Each time the men were worried by the smile she uses to put them off. That smile seems to suggest she was doing them a favour.

Lady and gentlemen, I guess it’s about time I take my leave of you. God willing we’ll see tomorrow. That’s Nancy’s way of ending each day’s job in her office. She always insists on leaving her workplace at the nick of time. She is also the first to leave most times. Nick of time at Alpha is four o’clock in the evening. I work exactly the duration for which I receive my pay, she will always remind anyone that cares to hear. Only on very rare occasions is this dogma ever compromised, too.

Back at their Fectac Town residence, Nancy was very pleased she can rest once again after the busy day’s job. She relishes the grand comfort that their cosy house provides.

Good evening sister Nana, good evening sister Nana. That was Jane and Florence, Nancy’s younger twin sisters. They are also the last in the Oshimili’s family of four.

Good evening my dears, Nancy responded, and added, hope you had a beautiful day.

Yea, beautiful as beautiful could be, they both echoed.

Mr. & Mrs. Oshimili are indeed blessed with a happy family and a peaceful home. Their children are also doing well too. Their only male child, Desmond, who happens to be their first, is a medical doctor, working with the foremost hospital in Abuja, the Metropolitan hospital. Jane and Florence are equally doing great at their university. Both are freshmen at the University of Lagos.

The Oshimilis are known for being respectful. The children never fail to greet anyone that is older than they are. Even in their family, they never fail in doing so. The twins seem to be the most faithful observers. They respect both Desmond and Nancy so well. They do so partly because it is their nature and partly because of the significant difference between their ages.

They came five years after Nancy. It was really hard for their parents to give birth to a child after Nancy was born. They never relented though. Through God’s help they were able to give birth to the twin sisters after a long period. They believed the two bundles of joy to be compensation for their late arrival.

It was exactly 9:45pm when Jane and Florence heard the wheels of their father’s car devouring the last lap of the gravelled driveway leading to the gate of their apartment. Simultaneously Florence jumped to her feet and dashed to the gate. Jane is always reluctant to do this, especially on Tuesdays like this when their favourite soap opera, The smiling sun, is being aired. Again they have a little boy, Obinna, who could always open the gate for their father.

Florence is different. She is always keen to open the gate and welcome her parents whenever this is possible.

Before she could get to the gate, the horns were already blaring, just as Obinna who happened to be downstairs was already making for the gate.

When the couple alighted from the car, the husband carefully wound up the windows and slammed the doors. He then went on to conduct the usual checks; first the tyres, next the bumper, and then for possible scratches on the body. He often does this on his 1995 model of Mercedes Benz V-boot 200, each time he comes home. He is never in a hurry to forget the ever bustling roads of Lagos and its reckless drivers. There is no doubt that he almost adores that vehicle. It is his favourite car, partly because it is his first and partly because of its ruggedness.

Welcome daddy and mummy, Florence began.

Thank you my dear, her parents replied.

She went on by saying, Dad I’ve been telling you not to bother hooting your horn. I’m now used to the sound of your wheels as you approach the house.

Oh, sorry dear, but how will your father know that the only person that knows this sound is not away or sleeping each time he approaches the gate? Mrs. Oshimili had taken it upon herself to reply her daughter, when it seemed her husband has lost his tongue.

Mr. Oshimili is rather a quiet and a serious man. He has little time for trifles too. But he can be humorous occasionally. As someone that just found his tongue, he added, Especially when he takes pleasure in honking his horn.

Both mother and daughter had thought he wasn’t going to say anything again. And to ensure that his belated comment was not totally ignored, Florence mimicked her father’s style of horning by instantly pressing a finger at the back of her father and uttered pipim, pipim, pee… . At this point her mother laughed, while her father chuckled.

Florence has always wanted to surprise her parents each time they are about to drive in. She always strives to open the gate even before the first blare of the horn. She has seen very little success, though. Most times she is the one that is surprised by her father’s disobedience to her command.

Inside the living room, Jane was still enjoying herself as she fed her eyes with what they enjoy seeing. As her parents made their entrance, she greeted them without removing her eyes from the screen. Her mind was indeed buried in what she was watching.

Can you please tune to NTA, let’s see what remains of the network news, her father said.

Mr. Oshimili is a news freak. Everyone in that family knows this, but seldom agrees with him eagerly. He often has his way—he is the lord of the manor after all.

But Dad, the news is almost over, Jane protested.

Yea, just as the one you are watching is; and I only asked for the remaining part my dear, her father replied.

Jane knew that arguing with her father will not do her any good. She made a face and simply switched to NTA before dashing into the room she shares with her twin sister. There she continued with what she was watching.

I don’t know why you children like watching the TV you described as ‘outdated,’ while you have a modern one in your room. The TV their father was referring to, was actually a console. It will require a closer look for one to know that it is not just a cabinet.

Mr. Oshimili had insisted that the TV remain in the living room; an insistence the rest of the family would have ignored if they had the power. To placate their protest he had gone to buy a smaller television set which was placed in the twins’ room. He had repeatedly told his family that even if they still want a modern television in the living room, he will oblige to that. However, the condition is that no one will remove the one they described as outdated. There is no doubt about his passion for antiquities.

The console may be outdated but its picture and sound qualities are much better than the other set. That explains why everybody in that house often prefers patronizing it.

Where is Nancy? Mrs. Oshimili queried.

Sister Nana, I guess she would be in her room, Florence answered.

Nancy felt she heard her mother’s voice. She was apparently dead to the world. After hesitating for a while she made for the living room. She was making her entrance just as Mr. Oshimili was switching back to the channel he met Jane watching. Jane knew this was likely, but didn’t wait to prove it. She simply didn’t want to prove it. She didn’t want to miss any fragment of the program she enjoys viewing.

Good evening dad, good evening mum, Nancy said as she showed her face. She went on to sit on the sofa.

Good evening dear, her father replied.

How was your day? her mother asked.

Mine was fine; and yours?

Very busy, her mother answered, but I think the weather did my body some good. It made me forget some of the frustrations on our roads, at least momentarily. Mrs. Oshimili likes it well when it is cool.

You are not looking your best, my dear. Is anything the matter? Mr. Oshimili queried. He is fond of using the phrase my dear. This is not restricted to the members of his family, but to almost anybody he meets. However, when he is addressing his dearest and nearest, one can’t but see affection in his voice and manner.

I think it’s just a little headache, Nancy replied.

Today must be very busy or perhaps difficult for you then. I know now you don’t want to sound that way though, Miss positive thinker, her father teased.

Have you taken any pill? her mother inquired.

Not one.

Have this then, her mother said as she offered her a brand of paracetamol.

No mum, thanks. I think I just need rest; I’ll be fine, Nancy stated.

Very well then, if you say so.

Before her parents arrived, Nancy had been sitting at the balcony overlooking the entrance to their First Avenue Close, soon after she had taken her dinner. She had returned home some minutes before 8:00pm and was surprised not to meet her parents at home.

They usually arrive home first. Nancy rarely returns from work before them. Even though her father and mother close at 5:00pm daily, at their respective workplaces at Ikeja, they always make it first to their home before Nancy who closes at 4:00pm.

Nancy’s office is at the highbrow Victoria Island and it takes at least four hours to make it home. Unlike her, her parents have to put in about two hours, thanks to the ever busy and congested Lagos roads.

Nancy’s parents had actually returned at about 6:00pm. After having their meals and resting a little, they had gone to see the Akandes, one of their family friends. The first lady of the house had just been delivered of a baby girl. And so it happened that Nancy’s presence met her parents’ absence.

It was while at the balcony that Nancy was struck with what she had been fighting to forget. A Cherokee jeep had parked in front of a house few metres from their house. After few minutes, a man about six-feet tall and heavily-built alighted. Soon afterwards a second man followed suit. He’s slenderer and a little shorter than the former.

The second man was what caught Nancy’s attention the most. He’s in many ways the dead ringer of Lancelot. The height, the poise, the laugh, all bring to memory what Nancy wish could be erased completely from her memory. The man’s silhouette speaks volumes of the only man she had really been close to.

Lancelot was her best friend at the university. Towards their last days at the university, some people believed they were courting already. Lancelot was not the conventional boyfriend people are fast to think of. He was simply Nancy’s best friend who happened to be a boy. Nancy on her own part was his best friend that happened to be a girl. They were having a platonic relationship.

Sex indeed was out of it. Both detested the idea of many people that believe that relationship between a man and a woman must start and end with sex. Such people figure that until you are in sexual intimacy with your partner, then he or she is not truly yours. For the duo, sex is not just secondary in relationship, but tertiary; the tertiary institution being marriage.

They were really happy that they have many things in common. They belong to the literary circle, believe in same faith, and were among the very best in their department. They value and share similar ideas about relationship too. The two were kind of a coterie.

Rules of the game seemed to be upheld by both, without consultations or recitations. They love each other, respect each other’s opinions and values; and attend social gatherings together. When convenient they study their books or bible together. They also express their thoughts and feelings for themselves in poems. Perfect match is the word for the two.

Nancy so much liked Lancelot because of his decency and courtesy. He will always insist that certain etiquettes be observed when they ought to be observed. Both are sophisticated yet humble.

Though they were not firebrands or livewires in the students’ fellowship they used to attend, they were holier than those that claim and pretend to be holiest. If there is anything that puts them off, it is the holier-than-thou attitude displayed by some members. Because of the way they participated in the fellowship, such ones saw them as not being serious.

Theirs was a relationship that was promising. Both parties and even spectators were anticipating that it will culminate into marriage. Like a flower it had sprouted, it soon began budding, and just as it was about to flower convincingly, the least expected happened. It was April, the growing and flowering season, yet their plant refused to flower.

Having completed their undergraduate program, with Nancy making a First Class Honours, and Lancelot missing it just by whiskers; the future looked so bright for them.

Shortly after they left the university, there was a conference organized for practicing engineers and graduate engineers. It was to be held in the northern city of Jos. Both had never been to northern Nigeria and so the event offered them the opportunity too.

Unlike Nancy that was very enthusiastic about this, Lancelot was reluctant. This was in part due to the fact that they just finished their National Youth Service program, and so needed some rest. Secondly the financial aspect didn’t sound friendly. His bank account that moment was showing red.

Nancy however encouraged him to go, since she couldn’t go herself. She had a lot of other commitments and engagements to attend to. Nevertheless she understood how important such conference could be to a would-be engineer. She even went ahead to augment the money he was to travel with.

So in the end Lancelot made it to the event.

Nancy could still remember the parting words. Lancelot had teased, I hope no one will put my nose out of joint while I’m away.

"I’ve put a protector over that big nose of yours, so you can be sure