WILD PLAN

I am doing everything within my power and knowledge to assist the authorities in their efforts to locate and rescue Deep from the clutches of his own half-brother. What I don’t tell them is that their advice for us to sit our asses back in this room and let them do their work fell on deaf ears, and they should not be surprised if we crash with them in the search areas.

Officer Martin excuses himself to go relay the information to his team after gathering all the information that we had, and we are left here with the four of us again.

“So, you two will be going back?” I ask with uncertainty.

Mrs. Azzua turns to me with a look that I quite expected. “If my son is waiting for my back in Nairobi, then yes, I will leave. But as long as he is missing, I am staying right here."

She should have just said no.

Sigh!

“We will just get a room, Gia. We cannot leave with how things are. I hope you understand.” Deep’s father explains calmly.

I nod my head. “I understand. I will make a reservation for you. Just have a seat while I make the call to the reception.” I say this as I walk to my bag.

Fishing my phone, my hand scoops something else.

The music gala night is today!

The music gala night!

Who invited me to this event, honestly? How did they know I was here to bring the letter by hand?

“Hey, you better put that thing in the bag and forget it exists.” My hairs raise at the voice of my sister as she whispers behind my ear.

I should forget?

How?

How can I forget about it?

Is it stupid and reckless of me to be thinking of going out in the middle of all that is happening? Then again, something is pressing me to go.

“Don’t tell me that you are thinking of honoring that invitation, for goodness sake. I will not let you leave this house.” Grace hisses again behind my ear.

She must have sensed that I was thinking against her wishes and warnings. And I still am. I want to attend. Who knows, maybe that monster will finally show its face to me once and for all and stop hiding in the sands like a coward.

I know it is insane. I know it's risky. I know no one would agree with me on this one, but I need to do this. ‘I am sorry, Grace, but I will have to be stubborn and sneak out into that Music Gala.’ I turn to her with a deceiving slight smirk. “No. Of course not.” I lie because right now in my head, I am making plans on how I will attend.

“Really? I know you, Gia! Why were you staring at it like that? What were you thinking, huh?” She shoots back.

“Nothing. I just saw it, and, well, you know, my mind goes haywire whenever music is mentioned. I cannot deny that I am so willing to hit the stage again, but I am not that stupid. I know our security right now comes first.” I say. I hate lying to her, but I have no choice but to do this.

“And I hope that sticks to your head well. One slight mistake can lead us all into hell. Think carefully before doing anything. There will be time for you to do your thing, Gia. Just not now.” She speaks with strong affirmations. Making sure her warnings get into me so well.

“What are you two whispering about? Is there a problem?” Mr. Azzua’s voice conjures us to them; our mouths are ajar as we figure out what to say.

My sister throws me a glance, asking me to save the situation. I close my mouth and smile a little. “I was just telling my sister that I was going down to the reception to make a reservation for you. It is much better than a call."

“Ooh, okay. Please hurry. I think we need to lie down for a while and think over everything that has just happened.” Mr. Azzua says:.

“Sure. I will be back in a minute.” I say and dash out, determination furling every single step.

“Where are you off to miss?” Officer Martin asks me when I step out, taking long strides to catch up with me.

I was not necessarily trying to run off. I just wanted to move away from the door to our room so that neither Deep’s parents nor my sister could get wind of what I had to tell Martin. “Just at the reservation, make a reservation for Deep’s parents. They will be staying here until this is resolved.” I explain.

“Alright. I have sent the information to the station. We are waiting to get a go-ahead signal, and the search will commence immediately.” He explains.

“Okay. Keep me updated. There is something else I need to do tonight. But I need it to be the top secret between you and me." I say.

“What is it?” He asks with curiosity.

“I need to sneak into the music gala.” I speak, and he pulls a frown.

“No way. That is super risky.” He states.

“I know, but I need to do this.” I insist.

“Why? It seems like you are hoping to see something or someone there. You need to tell me the details so that I can tell you whether it is worth that risk or not.” Officer Martin says.

“Look, Martin. The war has begun, and I know how Ejay works. He will follow me wherever I go.” I explain.

“That means you will be offering yourself to him. We do not want another search tussle on top of the one we have for Deep, Gia. Come on!” He pleads.

“I know. But look at it this way. You can bring your men for protection. I am sure he will be careful not to make a reckless move when he sees the police. If we spot him, then he can lead us to where he has been hiding all this while.” I say.

He shakes his head.

What?

No?

“Please, Martin. Do me this favor. Don’t you at least want to confirm whether the most wanted criminal, then the man who cheated the whole police and even cheated death itself, is alive or not?” I pin him where I know he strikes all the curiosity.

“Okay. How do we go about this?” He asks, and my belly twitches with glee.