Game of Deception, page 14
He stood, crossed the room, and took her hand, drawing her gently to her feet. He brushed her hair aside and leaned close. She inhaled sharply.
‘You’re beautiful,’ he murmured. ‘Every time, it amazes me.’
Her lashes fluttered.
‘This plan,’ he continued, his voice charged with quiet excitement, ‘will make us richer than you’ve ever imagined.’
He traced her jaw, kissed her forehead, and began laying it out—piece by piece. As he spoke, Omotola noticed the glint in his eyes. Playful. Calculating. Dangerous.
The scale of it struck her all at once.
Each word peeled back another layer of him, revealing something dark and deliberate. A chill ran through her as she listened. Michael closed his eyes briefly, as though her reaction pleased him.
‘We’re going to make an absolute killing,’ he said calmly. ‘Not just rich—obscenely wealthy.’
His grip tightened around her hands. His stare was unwavering, invasive. Her heart raced.
She had always known Michael’s eyes were a weapon. Whenever she tried to hold his gaze, she felt exposed—unsteady—as though he could see straight through her and enjoyed it.
Sensing the moment, he softened his tone.
‘We’re only going after people with ill-gotten wealth,’ he said. ‘Ruthless criminals who destroy lives and walk away untouched.’
Her mind was blank. She only listened.
‘We’ll avenge the innocent—and get rich doing it.’
The truth was, Omotola didn’t care about justice. Or morality. Or redemption. The thought of unimaginable wealth filled her head, making her light-headed. No more degrading arrangements. No more crusty old men. The relief alone was intoxicating.
Still, even she was impressed by Michael’s ruthlessness. The plan was bold. Extreme. Terrifyingly precise.
‘Babe?’ he said, noticing her silence.
She smiled and pulled him into an embrace.
‘Sorry. I zoned out.’
He studied her for a moment.
‘So,’ he said quietly, ‘are you in—or out?’
She met his gaze head-on.
‘Yes, Michael,’ she said softly. ‘I’m in.’
‘Even murder?’ he asked.
This time, she didn’t look away.
‘Yes,’ she said. ‘Even murder. Ride or die.’
They held each other’s stare, hands clasped. Something irrevocable settled between them. There was no turning back now.
For Michael, her words brought a surge of calm—and exhilaration. A weight lifted from his shoulders. Had she refused, he knew what he would have done.
He leaned in and kissed her.
The connection ignited instantly—raw, consuming. Everything else fell away. When they finally collapsed onto the vast bed, breathless and spent, Omotola knew her life had shifted forever.
There would be no going back.
And she didn’t want there to be.
THE NEXT MORNING, MICHAEL began telling Omotola everything—his past, his family, the parts of himself he usually kept buried. He spoke about Chief Barry, about what that man had done to them, and how it reshaped their lives.
The incident damaged him psychologically and caused him nightmares for years. It got so bad that he started to drink and smoke weed as a coping mechanism. He soon became a notorious armed robber that terrorized mainland Lagos residents.
He explained how easy it had been for his sister to poison the chief, and how easy it had been to escape suspicion without being caught.
'You said it took the chief 12 months to die. What type of poison did you use?'
‘Apple seeds.’
‘Apple seeds! Really?’
‘Yes, apple seeds. ‘Those things can be deadly. Each seed releases small amounts of cyanide, and over time it builds up. Consume enough of them, and it leads to acute cyanide poisoning.’
We fed him over 2000 seeds. ‘Because it was completely natural, no toxins showed up in his system when he fell sick. His doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong. By the time he died, it was officially ruled natural causes.’
‘But they taste really bitter and nasty... ugh...how did you get him to eat them?’
‘We ground them into fine powder, and then sprinkled trace amounts into his food every day. His food tasted exactly the same, he never suspected a thing.’
Over the next two days in the suite, Michael laid out his targeting strategy with clinical precision. Their victims had to be at least sixty, worth a minimum of five million dollars, and known philanderers. Ideally, they would have no children. If they did, it could be no more than one—and young enough not to complicate things.
‘So, what are your plans for identifying potential targets? We can't simply locate them on the internet...’
‘Of course not, sweetie. As far as that angle is concerned, I’ll be hiring a lawyer.
They have access to confidential files and records, and I have identified the legal maestro that’s going to lead us to our first target.
He’s expensive, but he's an excellent option. He’ll get all of the information we need, and as soon as he’s provided the info we need, he’ll disappear. We cannot leave ourselves exposed to any sort of blackmail.’
Omotola agreed. ‘You seem to have everything figured out.’
‘You bet I have, babe!’
He traced a hand down her exposed back, making her press her chest into his. Impatient, he took her to the couch and helped her sit on it. He walked back to the table, took the glass of wine and downed the entire contents. He leaned in to stare at Omotola, his eyes darkening with need.
In one swift motion, he slipped out of his boxers and made his way over to Omotola, imagining creative ways to have sex with her.
MICHAEL WAS RELAXING in his home office when the phone rang. It was Barrister Dumuje who he had hired to assist him in identifying potential targets.
As part of his cover, he posed as an investor returning home after an extended period abroad. The lawyer charged 250,000 naira for the service. Michael transferred a down payment of fifty percent to the lawyer's bank account using private money transfer applications. The remaining amount was kept in an escrow account as per the lawyer's instructions, to be released following the report's delivery.
‘Hello sir, I have completed the assignment successfully and identified all three potential business partners. My firm has previously served each of them as a client, so I can attest to their sharpness and responsibility as businessmen.
I have to confess, though, that they are all disgusting philanderers. However, that was one crucial aspect of your criterion that I thought was quite odd. They are still highly successful businessmen though, whatever the case may be. Once you get the files, let me know if you would like to arrange a meeting with any of them.’
‘Thank you. Even though I am considering other options, I would like to hear about these guys.’
‘Well, the first is Chief and Mrs. Ernest Ike. He's a successful businessman based in Enugu. The company imports used cars and spare parts from Europe and China and has branches throughout Africa. He has a net worth of approximately 11 million dollars as of today.
His wife of 20 years, Ngozi, has been an integral part of his success, and she is an exceptional woman. As a matter of fact, nothing gets through without her direct involvement. She's a chartered accountant, and oversees the company's finances. She is essential to the success of that business.
Without her, it will suffer. Her natural ability to smell a rat has made her several powerful enemies over the years. She has prevented several shady deals from going through. The process of doing business with them is not easy because she will check you out thoroughly.
‘Children?’
‘They have an 11-year-old son. Little Godson. He's a sweet little boy, and is currently enrolled at the American International school.’
‘Okay, next one.’
Next is Alhaji Dangote and his wife, Halima. He’s just turned 59 years old, and is a highly successful business magnate that has been on the rise over the past seven years. He made his millions trading commodities including cement as well as agricultural products such as rice and sugar. They have 2 children aged 11 and 12, and he’s worth in the region of 7 million to 10 million dollars.
'Okay, and the last one.?
Last but not least is Chief Omololu Adenuga. He’s a 67-year-old highly successful real estate magnate based in Lagos. He owns hundreds of commercial & residential properties across Nigeria and Europe. He is also married with 2 children who are both under 13 years of age.
All of these guys meet your criteria. Let me know what you think after reviewing their files.’
‘I like the sound of each one. I'm confident that I can work well with every one of them. Send the files to my email address. Good work, barrister. Within an hour of receiving those files, I will release the amount in escrow. You should receive a payment alert shortly after.’
‘It has been a pleasure assisting you, sir. As mentioned earlier, once you've made your selection, please inform me so that I can arrange a face-to-face meeting with the chosen party. I am confident that they will be thrilled to engage in business with you.’
Within an hour of receiving the data via an email address that he immediately deleted, Michael sent the cash to Barrister Dumuje's account through an untraceable account.
The following day, the legal luminary found himself ensnared in the clutches of unknown kidnappers, and his chambers razed to the ground by fire. Barrister Dumuje was never seen or heard from again.
13
SMOOTH CRIMINALS
‘Men are not punished for their sins but by them.’
—KIN HUBBARD
‘Sir, you have done tremendously well. Everything went according to plan. Rita accepted the terms of the will without question,’ Victor declared triumphantly.
‘Yes she has,’ Peter nodded in agreement. ‘I’m her godfather, she always listens to me. However, you must keep in mind that the courts will divide the estate equally if she contests the will. ‘That’s the way the law works.’
‘She had better not, for her sake,’ Victor replied, his tone dripping with menace. ‘You saved her sir; you told me to back off when I wanted to get rid of her.’
‘She won’t change her mind: there is no need to do anything to her. I advised her to respect her dead father's wishes, and her attitude towards the situation was calm and philosophical. So, there’s nothing to worry about from Rita.
Now, there’s a little matter of my fifty-thousand-dollar balance. When are you going to pay up, Victor? You have the money,’ the lawyer said indignantly.
‘Please sir, have some patience. I don’t want to transfer such a large amount from my account so soon after my parents’ death,’ he reasoned. It might attract suspicion. I cannot cheat you, after all you’ve done for me. I will pay you your money in full.’
‘IS IT A FORM OF KARMA?’ Rita wondered aloud as she fetched the fabric her employer had instructed her to get at the small boutique where she worked. ‘No, it can’t be. In my life, there is no one I have ever offended or treated wickedly. Why then has life been so cruel to me?’ she lamented, her tears drying up in her eyes.
She did not want to scare away Mrs. Okunuga's customer as she had done the day before, and the week before that, to a different customer. Rita handed the material to the customer still lost in thought.
‘Thank you, miss...?’ Zainab was clearly intrigued by the pretty salesgirl who seemed to be distracted by something on her mind.
‘Rita! What's wrong with you? The customer is speaking to you,’ Mrs. Okunuga chided, suddenly conscious of the awkward silence that ensued after Zainab had asked Rita a question.
‘Sorry ma'am, I just zoned out for a second.’
‘Are you alright?’ Zainab asked, slightly concerned. There was something endearing about the likable young salesgirl who appeared to be over-qualified for the work she was doing. In addition, she looked sad and troubled. It was impossible not to feel something for her.
‘Yes, I am, ma’am. I usually get caught up in my own thoughts, that’s all.’ Rita spoke freely, ignoring the perplexed expression on Mrs. Okunuga's face.
When Zainab finished paying, Rita manned the register while Mrs. Okunuga carried Zainab's purchases to her car. Again, her mind wandered.
In a few months, she will have to move to the Igbosere area of Lagos. She had a visit scheduled to the house later this week to assess the necessary improvements and create a list of items required to elevate it to her standards.
It looks like I'll have to hire an interior decorator, but where will the money come from? Certainly not from this job... Her heart sank.
‘Rita!!!’ Mrs. Okunuga sounded fed up with Rita's constant daydreaming.
‘Sorry ma, I was just thinking about something?’
'When are you never thinking about something Rita?' In any case, Zainab wants to say goodbye to you.’
There was a sudden look of confusion on Rita’s face. 'Zainab?'
‘Yes, Zainab. The lady we helped just now. She’s waiting for you by her car. Hurry up. We'll be closing soon, as you know.’
‘Yes, ma. I won't take long.’
Rita was surprised the woman, whom Mrs. Okunuga had now identified as Zainab, had asked to have a chat with her before she left. Whatever could she want?
‘I apologize for not introducing myself earlier, Rita.’ Zainab spoke first before Rita could apologize for her constant absent-mindedness. ‘I am Zainab Balogun.’ She stretched her hand towards Rita.
‘Nice to meet you, ma'am,' Rita said as she shook her hand, wondering where this was going.
‘Rita, let me cut to the chase. I like you; I think you're well spoken, obviously educated and you look like you need a break,' she said with a smile.
'Oh, thank you ma'am, I don't know what to say.'
'You obviously have something on your mind. Honestly, you look as if you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.’
Wow, was it really that obvious? Rita thought to herself
'Anyway, I wanted to speak with you about a career opportunity you might be interested in. Have you heard of a company called The Cool Guys?’
‘You mean the electronics superstore in Eko Atlantic City? Yes, I have; My older brother shops there all the time. He's a gadget freak. In fact, almost all of the gadgets he owns are from that store.’
‘Oh, really? Well, I'm the HR manager there, and right now, with Christmas around the corner, we are recruiting for customer service reps. We deal with a lot of elite customers from all over the world, and I think you'll fit in just fine. Would that be of interest? We offer flexible hours and pay well above average.'
Rita could hardly believe her ears. Is this for real?
‘Absolutely ma’am. This sounds like a fantastic opportunity.’
‘Yes, Rita. You have a really pleasant manner about you, and I am sure you will make our customers happy. Can you meet with me this Friday at 10AM?’
Her eyes grew wide with delight as she replied, ‘Absolutely ma’am. I am so very grateful for this opportunity. Thank you so much.’
Rita felt her chest lighten. Suddenly, she could see a brighter future for herself. She was going to make the absolute most of this opportunity.
‘Here’s my card, with the address on it,’ said Zainab, handing it to Rita. ‘I’ll see you at 10 on Friday. Please don’t be late.’
‘I -—I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity, ma’am,’
‘Call me Zainab or Ms. Balogun please, Rita. Calling me ma’am makes me feel old. I’m only 31 for Christ’s sakes,’ she laughed.
Rita chose the latter. ‘Thank you, ma’am... err, I’m so sorry ma... Ms Balogun. I’ll be at your office at 10 AM on Friday. I would never come late,’ she promised.
Zainab smiled brightly at her. ‘I’m sure you won't, Rita.’
As Zainab climbed into her car, Rita hurriedly dashed back into the shop before Zainab could have a chance to change her mind.
WHEN SHE GOT TO THE main lobby of The Good Guys, Rita was intimidated by the sheer size of the building. She was terrible at following directions and soon got lost. She didn’t know where she was. In a panic, she glanced at her watch: 09:43! Her interview with Zainab was scheduled for 10:00, so she didn’t have much time to find out where she was supposed to go.
She knew she had to reach the HR office, and all she had to do was find someone to point her in the right direction. As she crossed the crowded sales floor, Rita, naturally shy, scanned the room for a welcoming face.
‘Can I help you? Sorry, but you seem a bit lost.'
Rita jumped and was unnerved by the handsome salesman who had approached her. His name badge identified him as Ramsey Ahmad. Despite his powerful build, she thought he had the softest voice and the warmest smile. Rita immediately felt comfortable in his presence.
‘Yes please, I was looking for the HR department. I’m here for an interview with Zainab Balogun. I am not sure where I need to go.’
‘I can direct you... Actually, I’ll do better than that. I’ll personally escort you to the office. I’m Ramsey, by the way. Nice to meet you.’
They shook hands.
‘Rita. Nice to meet you too.’
Ramsey escorted her to the HR department's waiting room. 'You can wait here until Zainab comes to get you. Can I get you something to drink in the meantime? A glass of water, orange juice, tea?'
'Nothing thanks, I’m fine. But thanks for offering.'
'No problem, Rita, and best of luck with your interview.'
He smiled at her and she smiled back. She felt totally lost in his eyes.
'Thank you so much, Ramsey. I really appreciate your help.'
‘My pleasure,' Ramsey replied, and returned to the sales floor.
14
THE CLIENT
‘The swiftest way to triple your success is to double your investment in personal development.’ —ROBIN SHARMA
