Hard Tackle

By Alpha Dominion

When Tamna Anso Warrie was betrothed to Junaid Bonaparte as arranged by both parents, it was to cement an existing family bond of love and friendship. When Tamna Warrie proved unfaithful by yielding to love overtures from Amisha Dandali, a bosom friend of Junaid Bonaparte the protagonist, he had no option than to abrogate the betrothal.
Scorned, Nseke Anso Warrie, the mother of Tamna consults a sorceress who puts a black magic spell (a death curse) on Junaid Bonaparte. Unknown to Junaid Bonaparte, subsequent deaths of the many women he loved lent credence to the undeniable fact that, he was indeed the harbinger of death.
He was incarcerated by the military junta for a year and a half, after his wifes family set him up. Junaid Bonaparte was tried and found guilty by a military tribunal and sentenced to die by firing squad.
His wife Solitaire, an activist, who later became an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was mysteriously assassinated. How did he get so unlucky?. With the help of April Zabrandi, a girl he once loved, and by a reversal ritual the black magic spell (death curse) was reversed. Find out what happened thereafter. It is a must read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Dec 5, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499091861

Alpha Dominion

Prince Alpha Dominion holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. At various times, he studied English at the former University of Ife, Ile-Ife in 1975 and later, Local Government Administration at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria in 1981. He is well traveled. An avid reader and a prolific writer. Mister Dominion is the creator’s literary gift to this generation. He retired meritoriously in 2013 as a top bureaucrat in the Unified Local Government Service of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. He is happily married to Deaconess Margaret Prince Dominion and they are blessed with three children. Mister Dominion hails from Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.

Book preview

SYNOPSIS

The story is set in the city of Calabar, Cross River State in south-south region of Nigeria.

Junaid Bonaparte the protagonist aged twenty had a young beautiful girl Tamna Anso Warrie aged eighteen plus betrothed to him through a tradional arrangement by both families as it was a prevalent culture and traditional practice among the Efiks of Cross River State and the Ibibios of Akwa Ibom State. The promise of marriage was truncated when Tamna Warrie proves unfaithful as she misbehaved with Junaid’s bosom friend Amisha Dandali. Their illegal sexual experimentation results in pregnancy.

Junaid Bonaparte is framed and charged for being responsible for Tamna Anso Warrie’s pregnancy and sentenced to a two year jail term in a Juvenile Corection Centre. He served his jail term and got released.

In a sudden twist of fate, the parents of the girl he befriended before going to jail revoked their earlier approval to Junaid Bonaparte to marry their daughter Jade Janson Jacquard.

Following continual persecution and death threats on Junaid Bonaparte’s life from missus Nseke Anso Warrie the mother of Tamna Warrie for the public shame and odium meted to her daughter, Junaid Bonaparte was forced to do a re-think. Coupled with an anticipated back lash following Jade Jacquard’s pregnancy in defiance of her father’s revoking order, the love relationship between Jade Janson Jacquard with Junaid Bonaparte, the protagonist suffers a big blow and in the ensuing imbroglio he is forced to flee Nigeria to the United States of America.

Missus Nseke Anso Warrie sworn to leave Junaid Bonaparte with eternal suffering. Accordingly she consults a sorceress who helped her to cast an evil spell on Junaid Bonaparte without his knowledge. By this wicked token a death curse was placed on his head to the extent that any woman that he choses as a prospective wife ends up dying either a violent or mysterious death. For many years Junaid Bonaparte lived with this unfortunate happenings until the truth began to unravel itself.

As Junaid Bonaparte sought for answers to his problems, he was seen to run from pillar to post. Many women he loved and in some cases had married died in their numbers either mysteriously or violently.

With time Junaid Bonaparte returns to Nigeria after many years of sojourn in the United States of America to work for his motherland. His attempt to remarry and live a happy fulfilled life turns sour once again. When he met and fell in love with Chenyle O’niell it results in her being abducted and murdered. He was driven by passion to fall in love with Solitaire Cookey-Ganny and he was set up by her family. Junaid Bonaparte was framed of crimes he never committed, and this resulted in his incarceration by the military regime for one and a half years on trumped up charges.

His wife Solitaire Bonaparte became a popular activist in the cause of trying to gain her husband’s freedom. Junaid Bonaparte was held excommunicado in a high profile, maximum security concentration camp on Ita Oko and branded an enemy of the State.

When a death sentence was passed on Junaid Bonaparte and others, his friend Major General Bagada Magoro who later became the Head of State staged a Palace Coup to save Junaid Bonaparte to save him from execution by firing squad

Solitaire had survived more than one assassination attempts and she was appointed an Ambassador by the new military junta while Junaid Bonaparte was named an Economic Attache.

Supporters of the ousted military junta paid international assassins to take out both Junaid Bonaparte and his wife Solitaire. When this newer attempt failed, Solitaire ironically is murdered in cold blood violently when she and her husband visited Nigeria ostensibly to receive a traditional honour bestowed on them in her hometome by the King of Calabar, Cross River State.

Unknown to Junaid Bonaparte, he was in actual fact a harbinger of death because further attempts to remarry and live in peace and harmony becomes an unfortunate happening as another of his wife dies. Then came the eye opener after he had by now become an Ambassador himself. A young spiritually gifted woman opens up his insight into the truth about his destiny.

Junaid Bonaparte takes the bull by the horn in a reversal black magic ritual with the help of April Zabrandi, to starve off the cycle of death. Finally he gets a reprieve and enjoys a happy enduring married life thereafter. Find out how the death curse got reversed and how Junaid Bonaparte freed himself from the eternal torment.

CHAPTER ONE

THE UGLY PAST

Tamna Anso Warrie was well known to Junaid Bonaparte from her childhood days having been next door neighbours in the neighborhood of the military cantonment in Ikot Ansa, Calabar in Cross River State. Tamna’s parents were natives of Big Quo town while Junaid Bonaparte’s family hailed from Uyo in the mainland part of the State.

As a child, Tamna remembered she tok a liking for the older Junaid who played the role of an elder brother, always over protective and caring. Junaid Bonaparte equally took a special liking for Tamna and her siblings in their growing up days and it was without question visibly known and seen by all and sundry that there was an enduring indivisible bond between the two.

It was explicitly clear that Junaid Bonaparte undoubtedly meant good for Tamna Anso Warrie. Therefore, Pastor Anso Warrie after due consultation with the larger Warrie extended family approached the Bonaparte Bonaventure family to give out their daughter Tamna to be betrothed to Junaid their son.

Tamna Warrie was then eighteen while Junaid Bonaparte just turned twenty.

‘Tamna.’

‘Yes father.’

‘Do you understand what we your parents are trying to do for you?.’

‘I don’t exactly understand but if it means that I shall become Junaid Bonaparte’s wife in future I am thoroughly delighted. I couldn’t be more happier because I love him a lot. He is a very loving and caring person and he adores me like a princess.’

‘That’s what we think too. I and your mother have watched you and him for some years now and we are convinced that he loves you very much. If you become his wife in future, we are convinced beyond doubt that he will treat you fine and take good care of you.’

‘I totally agree with you father. Junaid is very special and he is handsome, he is intelligent and comes from a godly and wealthy background. I couldn’t agree with you more, father,’ Tamna responded.

‘Alright if you totally agree then be prepared because his parents and extended family will come with him this evening and the betrothal shall be formalized.’

‘I shall be prepared by then,’ Tamna said with excitement.

When her father left immediately to attend an afternoon church programme her mother turned to Tamna.

‘I can see my daughter…you are very excited.’

‘Being betrothed to Junaid Bonaparte as you people say, would be the best thing that could happen to my young life. After that I should be looking forward to a time when I will be properly married and I would become his wife for always,’ she said with enthusiasm, showing great emotion such that her mother had never seen.

‘I pray that everything works out right for the both of you. But come my daughter what is it with you and Amisha Dandali?,’

‘Mother there is nothing.’

‘Tamna you know that Amisha is Junaid Bonaparte’s bosom friend and I don’t want any misgivings or bad blood.’

‘Mother, I just play with him the same way I play with Sambalat Alderman and the rest of Junaid’s close friends,’ Tamna made a doubtful response.

‘But of late I have been seeing him very often prowling around here like a wolve going after its prey. Don’t let him ruin your chances with Junaid…I care that you should be respectably married.’

‘Mother you worry a lot. Leave me to decide what is best for me. You know that I want to be happy and I would be such a coward if I do not go after my heart’s desire.’

What Tamna said to her mother sounded like finality on the subject matter. Tamna thought she needed to develop the kind of strength that no challenge nor set back could defeat. She wondered if her little sneaky hide and seek game of lust with Amisha Dandali could derail her future prospects with Junaid Bonaparte. In spite of her mother’s suspicious intrusion she was determined to carry on with Amisha Dandali as discretely as possible.

The betrothal was executed as planned after the recitals and traditional rites, thereafter Tamna Warrie was handed over to Jnaid Bonaparte by an elder of the Warrie extended family. An engagement dance followed immediately and both families participated. There was joy, applauds and wild laughter. A lot of merriment followed and lasted until sundown before Junaid’s parents took Tamna Anso Warrie home to live with their family.

By the very next morning Junaid Bonaparte was walking to Duke Town Secondary School in Company of Tamna Warri and the news of their betrothal gained immediate currency. The School community at large was happy for them and the young future bride-to-be Tamna Warrie also gained instant respect.

That particular year and time, Junaid Bonaparte was in his sixth and final year in high school and preparing for his Cambridge examinations while Tamna was in class four. Unexpectedly Junaid Bonaparte’s father died first after a brief mysterious illness and it immediately changed Junaid Bonaparte’s view of life and the expectations for the future.

That singular event brought heavy sorrow to Junaid and he found comfort in his mother and in the arms of Tamna his beloved girl. His love and affection grew steadily for Tamna Anso Warrie and he was comforted that he had a shoulder to lean upon when he was weak and lonely. He had to face his reality that starred him in the face, he loved Tamna Warrie with a valuable commitment and crazy love and each time he looked into her eyes he wondered if he could succeed in making her to love him and him only forever.

Watching his friend Amisha Dandali play and fool around with Tamna Warrie worried him and he lost sleep several nights and even on one occasion poured out his whole heart to his mother as he told her about his sorrows and his fears. He spoke with tears in his eyes and bitterness in his heart. He actually confessed he wished the betrothal did not take place in the first place because he was scared stiff, fearful that Tamna may not wait to become a woman for him to make her his bride when he was ready to marry.

‘What matters is the heart. What is inside your heart my son?,’ his mother Mercedes asked.

‘There’s only love nothing short of love, mother,’ Junaid responded.

‘Your heart is shaking like a reed in the face of the storm and I can see that. I can also see fear inside of you and don’t you let that fear turn out to be an obstacle for you. Tamna Warrie is the girl we have chosen for you, so love her as your-would-be wife. Treat her respectably, let her learn slowly to understand the man she has fallen in love with. Keep an open heart about it and don’t be too supicious because it may not all be true what the eye sees and what the mind conjectures. Let true love and devotion be your paramount guide. Do you understand what I am telling you, my son,’ Mercedes admonished.

‘Alright mother. I promise to love her to the best of my ability, God willing,’ Junaid assured his mother.

It was the last time Junaid Bonaparte talked with her mother on that subject because a week afterwards she took ill and on the advise of the family Doctor, Junaid Bonaparte arranged for her to be sent to France to be among her people where she could be better taken care of so that it won’t distract him from the preparation he had to make for his Cambridge examinations.

Things began to happen on the fast lane quite unlike what Junaid expected. News came from Junaid’s maternal uncle Fabregas that her mother had passed on the previous day.

It was a miserable experience that both his parents had now passed away sequentially within four months, leaving him orphaned.

As soon as words got to Tamna Warrie’s family that Junaid Bonaparte’s mother had passed away, Nseke Anso Warrie came quickly to the Bonaparte’s residence and took her daghter away back to her father’s house even at Junaid’s objection.

‘Junaid you can always come visiting. You are always welcome in our home, any day any time,’

‘But you know that I was becoming used to Tamna your daghter. We are inseparable you know?,’ Junaid pleaded.

‘I know that for a fact. I know that you love Tamna a great deal and you wish only the best for her. I think we as her parents will take good care of her for you, understood?,’ Nseke Warrie said the final word.

‘Alright then Tamna I’ll be coming around to see you whenever it’s convenient.’

‘See you then Junaid,’ Tamna greeted.

‘Goodbye ma’am,’ Junaid greeted a bit sorrowfully.

They were gone mother and daughter, leaving Junaid Bonaparte lonely and uncomforted. He had only the house helps to stay with and somehow he thought he could live with that but he had some shocker coming his way.

A few days later, all the house helps informed him that they were quitting their jobs.

‘Even you Emma. Remember my mother was so fond of you and she loved you like her own daughter. So who is going to cook for me and take care of this house and me if you go?.’

‘Am sorry to leave you uncomforted. I am not sure that now you will be able to find enough money to pay for my services. I don’t work for free, you know?,’ Emma Hanson’s response cut deep into his heart and he regretted that his mother had showered so much love on the ungrateful upstart.

‘Alright don’t worry, time will tell. You are all free to leave and thank you for your services.’

For the very first time in his lifetime, Junaid Bonaparte was completely alone. He reached out to his brother in-law Sir Rex Cobham who worked as Supervisor at the Calabar Ports Authority and his other brother-in-law Captain Cosmos Atara of 13TH Infantry Brigade, Calabar. It was his brothers-in-law that immediately extended their love, care and benevolence to him.

Their immediate and timely intervention cushioned the sudden spate of frustrating events in a very short time, because of this he found a very new reason to live. Calm and quite returned to Junaid Bonaparte’s life and he was well settled and was grappling with his academics properly as a bright and studious student that he was.

Junaid Bonaparte went to Paris with his sisters missus Janet Atara and Abinah Rex Cobham to attend their mother’s obsequies. On their retuen he came back with his pocket full of cash, enough to keep him financially solvent to sort himself out. He hired a male housekeeper by name Daniel Skales and that was the least he could do to have some company and maintain his father’s property and prevent himself from going bankrupt.

This particular day he visited the Anso Warrie’s household and was well received.

‘Come give me a hug and I will tell you all about what has been happening in your absence,’ she offered invitingly hoping to warm herself into his heart.

‘Don’t you play a fast one on me Tamna,’ Junaid hesitated.

‘Just be a good boy, come on sport,’ she prodded.

‘Alright then,’ he not only hugged her but also kissed her on her full lips and she let him do that as if she was expecting just that.

‘You are a good kisser.’

‘Tamna don’t start by flattering me. How about your parents I have not seen them lately and even you, where the hell have you been?,’ he inquired pleasantly.

‘My parents are fine. I have been on holidays to my grandmother and how are you?.’

‘I am fine as you can see and I have missed your company.’

Suddenly from nowhere Amisha Dandali put himself forcefully into the room without the courtesy of knocking and waiting for a response. So he caught Junaid Bonaparte kissing and cuddling.

‘What do you guys think you are doing?.’

Junaid and Tamna were startled.

‘And what business of your is it Amisha Dandali, you are putting your nose in what does not concern you. What are you doing snooping around here?,’ Tamna scold.

‘Amisha what do you want always coming around Tamna’s house in my absence?, you act like a naughty, pestering flea. Do you know that Tamna is betrothed to me and I won’t have you spoil her for me,’ Junaid was spoiling for war with his friend of many years.

‘Meaning?.’

‘That you should stay away from her or I will kill you with my bare hands,’ Junaid warned.

‘You have never liked me Junaid,’ Dandali

‘I don’t hate you as a person but I sure hate your bad attitude for most of the times.’

‘Junaid, when you like somebody, you can afford to endure his idiosyncrasies and whatever mannerisms he’s got,’ Amisha Dandali talked back.

‘Is that it blind nationalism I suppose. Very typical I dare say. I think fairly speaking, you need an attitude adjustment. You had once in the past spoiled my chances with Jamina Armah, do you remember some incident like that. If you do then I hope you will stay clear from coming in-between me and Tamna.’

‘Junaid, you must know that I and Jamina had been well acquainted since we were kids even before your family came to live in the neighbourhood.’

‘So what is that supposed to mean?. Does that convey on you the unfortunate role of being her keeper and protector in a way that had you breathing down my throat often times?. Did that in any way give you the audacity to play the spoiler?. You killed my joy and I have not really forgotten, you know?,’ Junaid was really getting pissed off.

‘I was only stating the facts.’

‘Cut the bullshit Amisha. I did not force myself on her nor did I by any means coerce Tamna Warrie but her parents thought it wise and befitting to betroth her to me. Do you have any problem with that?.’

‘Not at all Junaid. We are friends so don’t treat me like your enemy,’ Amisha joked.

‘Listen to me Amisha, I never loved anybody else the way I have loved Tamna Warrie and that’s a big shout out. You think you got what it takes, you think you got game?.’

‘Junaid please let’s not quarrel about this matter, let Tamna speak for herself.’

‘Speak what Amisha?. How many times have I snubbed you. How many times have I told you that it can never happen for both of us. My parents will never accept you Amisha to take Junaid Bonaparte’s place, talk less of giving you my hand in marriage. It should be a clear message that we can never become lovers even in the general sense of the word now or in the near future,’

Tamna was unequivocal and minced no words.

‘Typical that is what it is?,’ Amisha retorted.

‘That’s the beauty of self will Amisha. It gives us the opportunity to make choices in relationships. Amisha Dandali you don’t have to fight with me over Tamna. At any point when I see that our interest are at cross roads and that Tamna Warrie is at the receiving end I won’t fall on the sword. I will show maturity but you can rest assured that I will not step aside for you to abuse and degrade her for your own good. Do you understand what I am saying to you right now?,’ Junaid bared his heart in the light of his inner convictions.

The atmosphere was tense and Junaid Bonaparte felt like starting a fight with Amisha Dandali and giving him a thorough beating and ending his friendship with him but he did not want to give Tamna Warrie nor anybody else an excuse to accuse him of one thing or the other. He was not going to let the family of his girl blame him for truncating the betrothal.

‘I can’t understand why you would do that Junaid. I can’t love two persons at the same time. Amisha as you know is acquainted to me because he is your friend. Junaid Bonaparte you are not only my friend but that I want to love for today but by God’s grace, I hope you will one day make me your loving wife,’ Tamna declared her stand.

‘Oh I see I am not surprised. You are only telling me to my face what I have already known for a long time. I understand and good luck to the both of you…I won’t get in the way, I promise,’ Amisha declared pretensiously.

‘Alright we are done about this,’ Junaid sounded a note of finality.

Junaid Bonaparte and Tamna Warrie started readying themselves and they seemed about to go out.

‘So where are you guys going to now,’ Amisha inquired with avid interest.

‘You care to join us, Amisha?,’ Junaid demanded.

‘If you want me to share your company, why not after all what are friends for.’

‘We will be going to the Cinema after we grab a bite at McQueens Fast Foods, am almost starving,’ Junaid intimated.

‘That’s okay by me let’s go,’ Amisha enthused.

Tamna Warrie immediately they walked out of the door and the lock was secured, took Junaid’s hands into hers and they walked hand in hand all the way down to MacQueens. That singular act was a way of sending the message to Amisha, so Junaid thought but he was mistaken.

Junaid Bonaparte was basking in the euphoria of having Tamna Warrie completely to himself but did not know that his girl was deceitful. She was indeed a two timing bitch. At such an early stage of their relationship she had already developed a knack for craftiness and secretive, uncandid behavior behind Junaid’s back. Always saying one thing in his presence and acting differently behind his back. He got fulled by his pretentions.

Little did Junaid Bonaparte know that Tamna Warrie was playing him and taking him for as a fool, a dumb fool for love. Yet he trusted her and had crazy love for her. He would do anything for Tamna Warrie. It was not his fault because he did not know how to hide love. He was committed to seeing the betrothal come through full circle. He was determined and hopeful that a day would come when he would marry Tamna Warrie and make her his unending love, his beloved wife forever.

As far as Amisha Dandali was concerned, he was swornly determined to tear the two friends apart by whatever means and however he could. Amisha Dandali was not pining after Tamna Warrie for nothing and it was not true that he was closely acquainted with Tamna Warrie because he was Junaid’s close friend but rather, the two were insidiously enjoying illicit sexual sessions behind Junaid Bonaparte’s back.

When they finished at McQueen’s the three boarded a taxi and were heading towards Boardman Street to watch the cinema at Silverbird Galleria.

At the Galleria as they watched the box office movie – Escape From The Planet Of The Apes, the two love birds engaged themselves in a soulful chit chat.

‘Tamna to say I like you is an understatement, the truth is that when we were walking hand in hand along the way I suddenly began to think that one day when we get married, I would like us to raise a family immediately.’

‘Junaid really! and you seem not to be excited with me by your side are you shy or something?.’

‘Tamna you are undeniably the most beautiful girl in the neighborhood and a lot of boys from very rich families would want to marry you when you come of age and without sounding persimistic by then I might be of no consideration.’

‘Are you saying that I will let you down?, no not on your life. That’s unthinkable. Junaid, each time you take me in your arms and you kiss me and tell me you love me it feels heavenly.’

‘Tamna I wish that those feelings actually will translate into real marriage life for both of us.’

‘In due time Junaid all in good time.’

‘Don’t you think that something unexpected may happen?. Sometimes I feel inexplicable fear deep inside of me a sort of loss.’

‘What sort of loss don’t say that again. You have lost your parents not really four months apart now who do you want to lose again so soon?.’

‘Something tells me that I might lose you all too soon Tamna sooner than I expect,’ Junaid Bonaparte confessed his inner feelings.

‘I don’t care Junaid. When we are ready to make it will happen I would want to walk down the aisle hand in hand with you,’ Tamna remarked.

‘This whole arrangement seems to me that it would turn out to be like a mirage. On the other hand I think you would have preferred Amisha Dandali for a husband,’ Junaid burst Tamna’s husky pretensions.

‘Mirage you say Junaid. Well could be it is a pipe dream for you but this is my reality. You will remain the love of my life and you better commit that to your heart and never lose thought of it. As for Amisha Dandali I can never marry him,’ she disposed confidently.

‘Why not if not?,’ Junaid pulled her legs.

‘Me Tamna Warrie marry a Moslem?, with all their bigotry and blind nationalism. He looks handsome and friendly on the outside but who knows what goes on within that fanatical mind of his. To him I might just be another female infidel,’ Tamna explained.

‘Tamna, you know all that but you are still hobnobbing with him even at the expense of my joy and happiness. What exactly are you two up to,’ Junaid minced no words.

‘Junaid! Are you suspecting me?.’

‘Nonetheless Tamna, if that is so it is you that has given the impetus to think and act the way I do,’ he shared his true feelings with her.

She laughed wryly, observed Junaid momentarily before speaking again.

‘It’s all on the platonic side of life and no serious consideration for today or for tomorrow. Why do you think I had accepted to be betrothed to you? I wanted something dependable and hopeful.’

‘But Tamna we are still young teenaer,’ Junaid tried to search thev inner recesses of her mind.

‘Junaid, in two months time I will be nineteen…am grown up, moreover I look and feel already like a twenty year old. Try me and I can surprise you, I can do what grown ups can not do. I can love and please you in whatever way you want.’

‘Tamna we are not in a hurry let’s grow up a little bit more. Moreso I do not want to go to jail for an avoidable common place crime like sexual abuse or rape,’ Junaid argued.

‘Junaid, Junaid, Junaid. How for heaven’s sake can anybody accuse you of rape or sexual abuse when I am betrothed to you,’

‘Tamna if you love me like you say you do, please wait for me and in a short while I will be ready to marry you fully.’

‘You are second guessing, more so you are speaking from both sides of the mouth. You are my choice, so make me know how to love you. Well if you want me to wait for you I can do that.’

‘Tamna you are my number one girl there is no mistaking the fact that you will surely be my wife, I can feel that in my very bones.’

‘Would anything come in-between us, Junaid?.’

‘Whatever will be, we will face it together like all good friends do but I am afraid, I can see failure and disappointment coming from your end.’

‘Junaid, why do you keep saying that?. What are you insinuating or are you a freaking mind reader?.’

‘Hear me out because I have this percolating fear and I can see love in your heart but your heart is not with me. I have seen your heart with someone else it might be with Amisha or somebody other than me.’

‘Don’t make me sad Junaid. There is no iota of truth in what you have just said, however let me restate my commitment to you.’

‘No wait Tamna and hear this, if you break my heart, I will never forgive you.’

She reached to him and kissed him smartly.

‘Junaid I want to be with you from the beginning to the end. I have loved you since I was a kid and now that I have grown nothing is going to change my love for you and you should have known that by now,’ Tamna enthused.

‘Tamna this Junaid Bonaparte that you know, truth is I may look simple on the outside but I am very hard on the inside and as such my simplicity should not be construed to be a sign of weakness.’

‘I know all that Junaid. I am not taking you for granted God knows.’

It was not long before the flick was finished and they had talked for a greater part of the time and now they were ready to go home. She held his face in the palm of her hands and kissed him again.

‘Will you slow down Tamna you are moving too fast for me.’

‘Junaid, I knew you would say that but I am not hurting you am I?.’

‘You should not practice that in public.’

‘Says who. It’s my life and I can do whatever I like with it?.’

‘Tamna Warrie it’s indecent behaviour. Trust me and quite rightly too I feel the excitement but the elderly ones will always find one way or the other to discredit us.’

‘If you say so Junaid.’ Tamna conceded as the flick came to an end.

‘Let’s be on our way home,’

As they came out of the Cinema, Tamna and Junaid met Gloria Gwarso in company of Terrence Basil popularly called T-Boy. There was also Jasmine Hasstrope, Jade Janson Jacquard, Phembo popularly called infinity and she was in company of her penelope boyfriend Amata Matata. Kareem Ambrose with Tanya Akuma and Wendy Fama with Alumuna Andoni.

They exchanged pleasantries and eventually they dispersed and left for home. Junaid Bonaparte noted that it was only Jade Jacquard that was unattached and perhaps she did not have a boyfriend. He noted the way she ogled him with her big tomatoes eyes. From all indications it seemed she had her eyes on him and perhaps a crush too.

Junaid Bonaparte and Tamna Anso Warrie went home happy that they were enjoying their friendship and enjoying some good times like others and they looked forward to more happy days quite oblivious of what awaited their future.

Ater the last outing Tamna Warri was seeing less and less of Junaid Bonaparte. He tried his level best to visit her ceaselessly without giving Amisha Dandali any opportunity to sort of fill any empty spaces. But the worrisome thing was that each time Junaid Bonaparte visited the Anso Warrie’s household, Amisha Dandali was always there. Each time Junaid Bonaparte met him there he often reminded Amisha what he said to him on an earlier date, that if he spoilt his chances with Tamna Anso Warrie, he would kill him with his hands. Often he laughed over Junaid’s remarks and Tamna would sulk and would refuse to discuss anything with Junaid throughout the duration of his visit. Junaid Bonaparte observed her unusual silly behavior but would avoid making any disturbing commentary about it. From all indications it was certain that Tamna Warrie was encouraging Amisha Dandali to flirt around with her.

On more than two occasions Junaid Bonaparte complained to Tamna Warrie’s mother about her daughter’s funny behavior, stressing that it did not portend any good for their vision of life together in future. At every turn she would defend her daughter as being immature, therefore she would not blame her daughter for acting chilhish most of the times.

‘Misuss Warie you know what grieves me most, it’s her complete lack of emotional comportment. She throws herself on boys without any qualms and I mean not only Amisha.’

‘That’s normal for a girl at Tamna’s age. Of course she has to relate, play, associate and mingle with her peers. She must have a youth…or what do you expect?. She cannot be tied to your apron strings and yield to your every whimps and caprices, for crying out loud Junaid Bonaparte,’ Nseke Anso Warrie scold in a harsh manner.

‘Am altogether surprised about your reaction missus Warrie. How did you people come to select me to be the one to be dumped this thrash upon I don’t understand,’ Junaid fired back a bit insultingly.

‘And how did you people come around to have received the thrash if I may use your exact words. I don’t want you and us to quarrel about this mater Junaid. If you love Tamna as you have often expounded you have to keep her down.’

‘But missus Warrie how?, how for goodness sake?.’

‘Don’t hurt yourself Junaid. A girl Tamna’s age barely getting to twenty needs a lot of patience to deal with. Tamna needs expression as an extrovert that she is. Tamna needs exposure and she counts on your support. Tamna most of all needs to be understood and indulged. She needs to be pampered and utterly loved without the selfish trappings of blind jealousy,’ missus Warrie tutored Junaid.

‘I am dearly sorry missus Warrie I do not understand every bit of what you have said. But if you mean that I am jealous, far be it from me.’

‘Then what’s eating you up Junaid Bonaparte. Having you heard that love covers a multitude of misdeeds?.’

‘I was only making an observation. And another thing if for any reason, I mean any reason at all Tamna is the cause of the break up of this our relationship I will never forgive her.’

‘Junaid is that a threat or what?.’

‘It is a promise. I love Tamna a lot but I will not condone indiscretions.’

‘Junaid Bonaparte did you come here to tell me all that nonsense just because you can. You know that Tamna my daughter loves you very much, so don’t spoil her chances of future happiness with you because I want her to be married not only into a decent family but also to a respectable young man. You are the man for my daughter and no other man.’

‘I hear you missus Warrie but what if she has other plans of her own. What if she fancies some other young man as she grows older. What if she may no longer come to desire being my wife?. I don’t know if you understand where I am coming from,’ Junaid pressed on.

‘I understand where you are coming from Junaidbe lieve me I do. And if you have any further doubts about what will happen if you cause a break up take it from me that there will be serious repercussions. Discussion ended,’ Nseke sounded a note of warning.

‘Missus Warrie I deem it that you think you are the be all and end all, well sorry to disappoint you. You are not going to play God here and you are certainly not untouchable, if that’s what you think,’ Junain gave her a swipe of his tongue, lashing at her vexingly.

‘Don’t dare me Junaid or you will live to regret it,’ she concluded.

Junaid Bonaparte took Nseke Warrie’s warning with a pinch of salt. As he walked the short distance home, he wondered what he had gotten himself into. He cursed the day his late parents talked him into accepting the betrothal arrangement. If they did not sweet-talk him into the arrangement and he listened to them in the first place, he would not find himself in the present quagmire.

It was a worrisome development and for Junaid Bonaparte it was like being caught in-between the devil and the deep blue sea. How did he accept to be talked into having Tamna Warrie betrothed to him. Over the days following, he clearly recognized more than ever that the costly mistake he made by acquiescing with his parents to have Tamna Warrie betrothed to him was his undoing and he invariably had put himself in a bondage trap

Junaid Bonaparte had visited the Anso Warrie’s residence another day ostensibly to share insights with Pastor Anso Warrie, on what he not only perceived as the wayward behaviour of Tamna his daughter but also to request for a fatherly advise in curbing his daughter’s excesses. Pastor Anso was said to be away on pilgrimage so Junaid spent a little time and was about to return home.

‘Junaid you seem to be in a hurry to go, what’s the matter?.’

‘Ma’am nothing is the matter. I am rushing back for football training.’

‘Oh! You want to play at the world cup I see.’

‘How funny missus Warrie, I kust love playing football as a hobby,’ Junaid retorted to her unnecessary sarcasm.

‘Tamna! why don’t you also step up you ball play just like Junaid,’ missus Nseke joked.

‘Mother I am on top of my game. I have already broken into the ranks of the senior girl’s. I hope to play for the Nigerian national team someday.’

‘Bravo! That’s my girl,’ Nseke was supportive of her daughter to the chagrin of Junaid Bonaparte who felt she was pushing to annoying him unnecessarily.

Right then the door bell twanged and Tamna went for the door. When she opened the door, she screamed exhilaratingly and flew into her father’s arms.

‘Dad you are home. Mother, dad is home,’ Tamna shouted at the top of her voice after welcoming her father. Her mother came running to greet her husband, and even Junaid came forward to welcome Pastor Anso Warrie, who he later learnt, had traveled abroad on pilgrimage to Israel.

‘Darling welcome back. You are back earlier than expected,’ she said as she embraced her husband. Pastor Anso Warrie moved forward to greet Junaid Bonaparte.

‘It’s good to see you sir. Happy reunion.’

‘Thanks Junaid. Good to see you too. How are you son.’

The clergyman shook hands with Junaid while surveying him carefully, then he asked worriedly.

‘What’s all this cratches and red scars on your face?.’

‘J.J, had a fight with Amisha Dandali,’ Tamna was quick to complain to her father.

‘Sir, it was actually a mistake, I had to fight for Tamna you daughter’s love. I could have been a fool not to do so. You can call me a jealous lover but in actual fact I wasn’t going to stand by and do nothing but watch somebody else come and take away food from me table. I won’t ever let anybody take food away from my table. Tamna is betrothed to me and any other person who wants her must have to go through me.’

‘That’s the spirit. It’s a foretest of future love for you and my daughter Tamna,’ Pastor Anso Warrie declared.

‘Darling come and get refreshed. These kids won’t let you rest before bringing their complaints.’ missus Nseke Anso Warrie encouraged her husband.

Pasto Ansor Warrie settled down in a sofa and his wife poured him some chilled grape wine to cool his nerves. His daughter Tamna helped him out of his shoes and shirt right there in the living room and when she returned she engaged her father’s attention.

‘Dad before I am reported to you, it was all my fault. Somebody squealed to Junaid that Amisha Dandali and I had exhibited indiscreet behavior. Triple J, caught Amisha Dandali kissing me in the school hallway leading to the restrooms and she squealed to Junaid Bonaparte,’ Tamna confessed.

‘Who is triple J, if I may ask?,’ Pastor Anso inquired.

‘She is Jade Janson Jacquard, the daughter of the Mayor of Calabar,’ Tamna explained.

‘Oh what bricks bracts. What were you thinking Tamna. That was indicent to say the least and if Junaid fought with Amisha, it was to protect your own integrity Tamna.’

‘Dad you don’t want to know?.’

‘Know what, Tamna?…you are not a cheap road side prostitute so why behave like one. What is this one that Amisha Dandali is kissing you in public why?. You are betrothed to Junaid Bonaparte and that means that you are limited by certain common romantic behaviors. And to imagine that you allowed that to happen at school in the full glare of the public without any any comportment is totally disgraceful, I am disappointed in you Tamma,’ her father railed.

‘I didn’t do anything wrong. I just wanted to embraced him and gave him a peck, for being granted a German external aid scholarship. So this sorry son of Adam just grabbed me quite unawares and kissed me before I even knew it. That’s how Tripple J found us and decided to play the tale bearer.’

‘God damned, I wish I could kick his ass again.’

‘Aha! ask her Junaid is prepared to kill Amisha if he makes one other pass like that at Tamna ever again,’ Tamna’s mother added her voice to the controversy.

‘But dad Amisha is not a bad boy ever since I have known him from as far back as I can remember.’

‘And what is that supposed to mean. It seems you like this boy Amisha Dandali. What’s in all this talk of association between you and Amisha?.’

‘Dad I just like him as one of Junaid’s bosom friend,’ Tamna mae a lame defence.

‘Shut your trap Tamna. Is he my only close friend?. What about Sambalat, Kareem and Alumuna. Are they also not my bosom friends?. Why don’t you behave or like them the same way as you like Amisha. And that sneaky son-of-a-gun keeps upgrading his meddlesomeness. Every time I have been here for the last many months that I can remember, sadly enough I always come to find Amisha here in this house with Tamna. Can anybody beat that. If I did not get him thoroughly beat don’t be surprised that he would have been present now as we speak,’ Junaid impressed.

‘This is serious. Why does my daughter want to bring shame to the family,’ Pastor Anso Warrie complained.

‘Am awefully sorry dad. It will never happen again.’

‘Certainly it will never happen again. Believe me if such a thing ever happens again, the betrothal thing stands annulled,’ Junaid blew his top.

‘Says who and who do you think you are to threaten my daughter,’ missus Nseke Warrie growled.

‘I may not be anything important to you but I am certainly not your door mat missus Warrie. Can’t you see that I am not good enough for your daughter. Forget that my late parents were family friends with you people, it does not in any way translate to a life of servitude. Talk to your wayward daughter you turn a blind eye against her waywardness and pretend that you know nothing about her little games when in fact you give a tacit approval to all the happenings behind my back.’

Missus Nseke Anso Warrie moved quickly to where Junaid stood and before he could say Jack she smacked him with a two pronged forehand and backhand.

‘Ma’am it doesn’t changed the fact that your Tamna is a tramp and I mean it. I know why I am putting up with this rubbish because I don’t want to take the blame for the break up of your little arranged love game you call betrothal,’ Junaid stood his grounds.

Cold silence pervaded the living room.

‘Please Nseke my love let Junaid be. He is naturally defending what he deems is his exclusive preserve. Tamna needs to be corrected as well as protected,’ Pastor Warrie came to Junaid’s aid.

‘But let him not threaten my daughter anymore. Come to think of it, what does Tamna my little girl know?,’ Nseke sided with her daughter.

‘Please I beg to take my leave,’ Junaid offered.

‘That would be fine for now, Junaid,’ Anso Warrie said.

Junaid Bonaparte left the Anso Warrie’s residence embittered and enraged. When Nseke Warrie, Tamna’s mother slapped Junaid, some of her long nails went into his eyes and sort of scratched him causing an abrasion which resulted in sudden redness of one side of the eyes, thus resulting in an inflammation.

Water was coming out from that side of the eyes as he headed home. Jade Janson Jacquard who was returning from the female soccer training met him in the stressful agonizing condition he was and helped him home because his sight was momentarily impaired.

‘What happened to you J.J?.’

‘Tamna’s mother slapped me and I guess some of her long finger nails went straight into my eye.’

‘Why? What did you do wrong?. Why would she be so impetuous?,’ Jade Jacquared asked with some worriness.

‘I called Tamna a tramp right before her face,’ Junaid Bonaparte responded.

‘Of course she is a tramp. She is a tramp in the true sense of the word. Her mother encourages her because she also sleeps around with rich men and nothing pricks her conscience that she is a clergyman’s wife.’

‘Watch your tongue Jade Jacquard. You don’t rail against women of God willingly because you choose to,’ Junaid warned in a way of telling Jade Jacquard to be careful about what she was saying.

‘Let me rush to the Pharmacy and get you an eye drop and when I return, I will tell you more,’ Jade justified.

When Jade Jacquard was gone Junaid Bonaparte reasoned within himself if what he had just heard her say was true. If that were to be the case it meant that what he had suspected all along was true. Missus Nseke Anso Warrie had unsuspectingly been the one giving tacit approval and encouragement to her daughter Tamna to behave the way she did.

It would turn out to be much grief and endless bitterness for Junaid Bonaparte if missus Nseke Anso Warrie had haboured inexplicable skeletons in her cupboard. Was it actually true what Jade Jacquard had alledged. It meant that Tamna was behaving true to type as it is often said, like mother like daughter.

Then Jade Jacquard returned.

‘Here Junaid have this. The Pharmacist said you should administer two drops in both eyes immediately and two drops in both eyes at bed time. Is that understood?,’ she said.

‘Exactly I wil do just that, thank you Jade.’

‘J.J, let me help you put the medicine in your eyes,’ she offered and when she was done she made a move to go.

‘I should not keep you any longer. I don’t want you to have problems with your parents,’ Junaid stated jovially.

‘I wouldn’t be an issue of much concern to them. If I told them you had become sick and did not attend school so I checked on you, they will understand. Don’t forget that your parents before they died were very close family friends of ours.’

‘I see! So what were you saying?.’

‘Junaid what are you doing with that little sneaky, slimmy brat. She chases around every rich handsome young man. I don’t want to sound fussbudgety otherwise I would say that by the time you come about actually marrying her, she would be no better than a brand new second hand girl,’ Jade Jacquard made a nasty thought provocking commentary.

‘You don’t mean it, Jade. Are you suggesting that she has already started sleeping around?.’

‘That and a lot more atrocities.’

‘How do you mean Jade Jacquard?.’

‘Your girl happens to be in the group of young girls who patronize the Blue Diamond,’ Jade alledged.

‘Blue Diamond!, that topless dance club on the Marina?,’ Junaid Bonaparte asked doubtfully.

‘You want to see it with your eyes?.’

‘Yes I would like to just to prove you right for once, otherwise I would only regrettably admit that you are simply malicious.’

‘I am not malicious Junaid, I will help you settle the war within you. Your girl has been sleeping around not minding her betrothal.’

‘Stop it Jade Jacquard enough of this nonsense. Don’t talk about your fellow woman like you do. Stop imagining things Jade.’

‘But Junaid it does not change the fact that she and her mother sleeps around. Do you know what her mother does?. She has a paid reservation at Lord’s Motel where she meets and receive her male clients.’

‘Fabricated lies, mischievous tale bearing. Missus Nseke Anso Warrie cannot be prostituting. Such a respectable woman of God and a highly placed society lady.’

‘Woman of God my ass. She is a shameless whore.’

‘And how do you know these things.’

‘Through my connections and keeping my ears close to the ground.’

‘Jade Jacquard let’s talk about this some other day. You should be going back home, I don’t want to be accused of anything I did not do wrong. Your mother must be anxious so goodbye.’

‘Goodbye is the loneliest word to say Junaid. Let me see you again. Goodnight.’

Junaid Bonaparte sent away Jade Jacquard. One thing he noted about her was her forthrightness, her candour and responsiveness. How she cared about his well being and actually cared for him in that brief moment spoke volumes. Comparing and contrasting Jade Jacquard with Tamna Anso Warrie, he instantly adjudged that he was actually wasting his time with the good for nothing Pastor’s daughter who was not worth her salt. He preferred Jade Jacquard to Tamna Warrie as a matter of fact.

Somehow Junaid Bonaparte found it difficult to believe all what Jade Jacquard had to say about Tamna and her mother. He thought Jade Jacquard was simply jealous and irritated by the fact that as beautiful as she was, no man had ever asked her out nor was she being dated. And to imagine that the most eligible bachelor like Junaid Bonaparte would rather choose a girl like Tamna was for her a misplaced choice.

Later that same evening Junaid Bonaparte went to visit another close friend of his, Sambalat Alderman and shared with him deep insights about what had been happening between him and his betrothed, Tamna Anso Warrie.

They shared hilarious jokes and had a good time together. But while Junaid was about to return home Sambalat left him without doubt that what Jade Jacquard had earlier told him was true in every material proper.

‘Take heart my friend. I did not want to spoil your mind initially but know this that truth is constant like the northern star. Follow your heart and take a drastic, decisive step when you are confronted with the start reality. As Jade Jacquard promised to let you have a first hand eye witness of the facts you just have to wait until they begin to unfold.’

‘Sambalat my friend I am troubled beyond comfort and the worst part of it is that her mother keeps threatening me with hell and brimstone.’

‘Junaid, forget that woman it’s all mere empty boast. Follow your heart and don’t postpone the evil day. Take a decisive and definitive action devoid of unnecessary sentiments.’

‘Am afraid Sambalat because that woman can be seriously mischievous if not outright devilish. She has a penchant for acting and showing strong and angry dispositions.’

‘Be strong and courageous. You must know this that love is not by force and it is definitely not a do or die affair. At most it is all muddling waters which will turn clear sooner or later.’

‘Thank you my friend I’ll be going back home now, I don’t like keeping late nights.’

‘Alright, I’ll be seeing you later.’

Very incontrovertible information as related by Pastor Anso Warrie had it that Obadara Dandali the father of Amisha Dandali had once pined hellishly after Emilia Totsie not minding that she was her best friend’s girl. Obadara Dandali succeeded in stealing Anso Warrie’s former heartthrob Emilia Totsie from him, under very fraudulent and false pretences and ended up spoiling his friend’s romance with Emilia Totsie but pitifully he Dandali failed to marry her.

This singular incident remained a painful reminder that most so-called bosom friends were not to be trusted and for the man Anso Warrie it was a lingering mistrust between him and Obadara Dandali ever since. Even though it was expected that time would heal the wounds, in this very case the scares that Anso Warrie bore as brunt from their childhood misgivings were not in a hurry to heal.

‘As to how much I detest Obadara Dandali it is better imagined than actually said. As much as we are not an island I won’t allow the son of a murderer to cohort with any daughter of mind,’ Anso Warrie told Junaid Bonaparte as he seemed pissed off when Junaid placed all his garnered evidence at his disposal including video documentary of Tamna’s activities at the Blue Diamond Night Club.

‘Honey don’t get freaked out to press home your point. Talk to your daughter I think she will listen to you. The whole thing does not really concern me. If Junaid Bonaparte has gone to great lengths to prove that Tmana our daughter is not behaving according to his expectations in the light of these incredible eveidences, you must check her excesses,’ Nseke his wife registered.

‘Let it not concern you Nseke but after what that useless ragamuffin did with my daughter Junaid has told me expressively that he has drawn a fine line separating himself from Tamna until she reorders her foot steps. Is that too difficult for you and your daughter to understand. Tamna is growing up speedily and don’t you make the same mistake you made with her senior sister Aliyah, otherwise you will regret it some day. And if you care to know, it was Obadara Dandali that killed his sister in a botched armed robbery attack in their household several years ago and it was blamed on the bandits.’

‘Honey pardon me if I may ask was Obadara Dandali in any way connected with the hoodlums?.’

‘He was one of the robbers and the sister recognized him even though he wore a mask. She recognized him I don’t know how but she called out his name for help when the leader of the gang wanted to rape her, so the bad man ordered Obadara Dandali to shoot her and he did just to cover his dastard deed for ever.’

‘That must have been a mistake of some sort,’ Nseke argued foolishly.

‘Shame unto you Nseke, so as old as you are you can not distinguish between willful criminal connivance and unavoidable misadventure,’ Pastor Anso Warrie rebuked his wife.

‘My husband how did you know all this, are you sure this is not a case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.’

‘If you were not my wife and if I have not known you for so long, I would have thought you are completely idiotic.’

‘There is nothing wrong with asking,’ Nseke insisted.

‘He confessed to me because he needed somebody to talk to and offload his guilty conscience.’

‘So why are you being judgemental now after so many years?.’

‘Nseke I have always been judgemental when it comes to Obadara Dandali. He is a corrupt influence that is why I stopped being his friend a long time ago. So as far as Amisha Dandali is concerned he can be no better than his father, in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if that his boy is deliberating tyring to re-enact what her father did to me severals years ago. Nseke can’t you see that he is trying to spoil Junaid Bonaparte’s chances with our daughter Tamna.’

‘My husband I cannot agree with you more, that Amisha Dandali is trying to turn my daughter’s heart away from Junaid Bonaparte just like his father did in your own case several years ago.’

‘It is a caricature of what had already happened.’

‘If I may interrupt I think we must be aware here that your daughter Tamna prefers Amisha Dandali to my dear self. Ask her and she will admit that,’ Junaid stated.’

‘How! how is that?. Had he cast a spell on my daughter?. Well going by what I heard Tamna say to him, that is not true,’ Nseke argued.

‘Someday you will find out the truth,’ Junaid maintained.

‘Nseke my darling, your defence is sentimental rubbish. She herself gives me the impression that she likes Amisha Dandali more than Junaid Bonaparte so what’s this double talk, who is fooling who?. It is inexcusable to say the least and why should our parts with the Dandali’s cross again in this unacceptable way.’ Anso Warrie bemoaned.

‘Tamna is still a small girl and may not quite know the difference between the two boys. I hope when she grows up she will understand better,’ Tamna’s mother defended her daughter.

‘Nseke, I am worried she has fallen into wrong hands like her elder sister Aliyah did some years back. Without someone like Junaid Bonaparte to look after her and actually protect her from bad company, once again we’ve got bad news on our hands.

And if it was not for my elder sister who sheltered her away from danger and took her away to Britain we could have lost her.’ ‘Anso you must act like a father and have a heart to heart talk with Tamna when she comes back,’ his wife admonished.

‘Sir, that would be appropriate, otherwise the whole thing is infra dig. I hope she will listen to you for her own good,’ Junaid Bonaparte offered.

‘That would be fine Junaid. But honey don’t you keep encouraging that boy to be visiting this house anymore. Whatever you think about me on this matter, please never you discuss what we’ve talked about today with Tamna, do you understand?.’

‘It’s understood honey,’ Nseke agreed with her husband and Junaid seemed to be a little comforted.

CHAPTER TWO

THE CRITICAL MISADVENTURE

Pastor Anso Warrie had resolved to deal with the problem frontally and not given to procrastination nor treating it with kid’s gloves, so he found time to discuss the vexing issue with his daughter Tamna on a day that provided the best convenience almost a fortnight after his interaction with his wife and Junaid Bonaparte on this very disturbing interplay of interest.

‘Tamna my daughter, I called you here so that you and I can discuss sincerely and honestly. Our greatest strength is for us to understand ourselves well and to be able to tell ourselves some home truths. First let me ask you my dear, what is the state of your relationship with Junaid, because I don’t see much of him any more these days, have you two quarreled?,’ her father inquired.

‘No dad we have not quarreled we are still best of friends.’

‘But your mother tells me he seldom visits as before what has gone wrong.’

‘Yes dad it is so, in fact since after what happened few weeks ago, he is very circumspect. He avoids controversy like a plague and because of my mother’s aversion he keeps his distance most of the times,’ Tamna responded tactfully.

‘Do you visit him often?.’

‘Yes dad, I do visit him often and we meet as the