One sunny afternoon after taking lunch together with Njeri, John sighed deeply. This was the last lunch, so he thought. It was like a farewell party for Njeri, although it was only him who understood it. The atmosphere was calm, apart from the sweltering sun outside. Wanjala was being released from the prison that very evening. John had pulled all the necessary strings and everything was set. He really wanted to inform Njeri earlier on but thought against it. Njeri could have ended up complicating the whole situation.
John cleared his throat and looking straight into Njeris' face he said, "Njeri you are such an amazing woman that any man can drool over. I knew, ever since I met you, that you were meant for me. But fate, as it would have it, prevented it from lasting forever. In as much as I cherish every single moment I spend with you, I am left with zero options. I know you are a strong woman. It really won't trouble you.'
Njeri was smiling all along but as John continued talking, she became much confused. "What exactly are you insinuating?"
"Okay, it is like this. I just got a call from Wanjala's lawyer and he says Wanjala is being freed on bond today."
"No. Why didn't you inform me a week earlier?"
"It was the lawyer who was handling the case. I didn't know it will take such few days."
"Why did you support it? You know very well this home belongs to him."
"I understand your worries. But I just had to support it. You and me knows very well that the man is innocent. He didn't kill Mutiso. I am the one who framed him, and my conscience is weighed down day and night. I just can't take it anymore."
"It would be better if that man would just spend the rest of his life in prison. After all, he remains with a few years to live here on earth. I don't think there is any value he is going to add to this world."
"No, Njeri. Don't talk like that. Have some empathy. Furthermore, he is the father of your kids."
"Honestly, I have never loved that man."
"Are you kidding? You never loved him and yet you sired two kids together?"
"It was all Mutisos' plan. I never was for it."
"Let us let bygones be bygones. He is coming home tonight."
"It's okay. What is your plan?"
"For now, I don't have any plan, but as time goes by, we will figure out something."
Njeri was getting upset. "What do you mean, you have no plan? Don't you realize this very home belongs to him?"
"I know, but what option do we have?"
"If that is the case, I am leaving with you. Where you live is where I will live.'
"I am sorry that can't happen. In fact, I am going to squatter at Ondisos' place because I have nowhere to go."
"Okay. Now I get you. It was your plan all along to dump me in favor of Ondiso? Nice play."
"Its not like that. Now tell me what to do now?"
"Go and cancel that bond. Don't allow him out of prison. And if that isn't possible, that pistol that is tucked into your trousers is not for decoration."
"God forbid. You can't be that nefarious. I wish you knew how much distress I have been through ever since I shot Mutiso. I live with regrets. And I will never again repeat my mistake."
"I know what you are trying to do. But keep in mind. The same way you cleared all obstacles to be with me is the same way I will clear all obstacles to be with you. You started the game, I will finish the game."
"Okay. There is a way we can circumvent this. For the sake of the children, you can stay with him here, but we will be meeting frequently."
"Nope. We can buy a house far from here, and that will take care of everything."
"That's a good idea, but for the sake of the children, it isn't. The children are already used to staying here and relocating will not be good for them. Don't worry, I will handle it like a pro."
"Okay. But let it stick in your mind that it's only you I love."
"Me too. I love you. It's only that this time round I don't want to force things. You know, true love never dies. If we were meant to be together, nothing can separate us. Trust me, we will be back stronger."
"Okay. But you should expedite your plan."
"Trust me, I won't let you down. Let me rush. I love you."
"I trust you. I love you more. But I loathe betrayal. Just don't dare me."
As John drove to the prison, he felt more relaxed and free. Finally he was going to live like a freeman. The love for Njeri was cumbersome. It was taking a toll on him. He was in a prison that only he could explain. But finally, he could smell the pleasant aura of freedom. As he drove, he was happily vibing to traditional celebrations songs that blazed from the car speakers. Finally, after years of psychological torture, he was going to enjoy life again.
John didn't bother to drive into the prison, he parked his car beside the gate and waited. The deal was done and dusted. It didn't take long before Wanjalas' lawyer walked out of the prison gate with an elated Wanjala following behind. It was a great day. The lawyer entered the parked car and sat next to the driver's seat.
Wanjala took the back seat as he shouted, "God is great! I never knew I will taste freedom in my remaining life. Surely God doesn't leave the innocent to suffer."
"Finally, we are all free," a voice from the driver's seat shouted.
"Who are we?" Wanjala shouted jokingly without bothering to have a look at who was talking. "Thank you so much, my lawyer. I didn't know you were this influential. You promised, and you delivered."
"Okay, let's go," John said as he started the car.
Wanjala recalled something. "Wait a minute. That voice sound familiar. Just tell me it is not what I am thinking."
John and the lawyer just chuckled back as Wanjala lifted his head up to look at the driver. And he was right. It was John.
"Its you again my enemy? So you have decided I will never be happy in my few remaining years? Why are you destroying this celebratory moment?"
John teased, "Stop all that stupidity. I promised, and I delivered."
"If I knew it was you, I would have preferred to stay there in prison."
"And it had to be me. Life is funny sometimes. Your enemy becomes the only one to save you."
"I just hate you. Stop this car, I would rather trek home."
"No car is stopping. If you want, you can jump out and go straight to hell. With me I have washed my hands."
"The law, this is wrong. You should have informed me about this criminal involvement."
The lawyer just chuckled and responded not.
"You can rant as you want, but deep inside you, I know you are grateful to me.'
"I am not grateful to a criminal like you. And if I may ask. How did you do it? I mean, without my signature and approval."
"In this country, everything is possible only if you are determined, ruthless and, of course dangling cash where necessary."
"Now I fully confirm you are a hardcore criminal that deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison."
"Point of correction, I am a licensed and legal criminal, not like you. Note the difference."
"And you still have the audacity to call me a criminal?"
"Don't you even know that suicide is a criminal offense? Or you think criminals are only thieves, murderers and rapists? How many times have you tried committing suicide in that prison?"
"It is a lie. Don't believe everything you hear."
"First you tried to sneak in poison, you tried jumping from the rooftop, you tried hanging yourself….name them."
"How did you get to know all this information?"
"On the day of your incarceration, I assigned someone to specifically monitor all your movements and actions."
"And who is the person?"
"Do you know a prisoner by the name Mike?"
"What! Mike, my best friend? The closest friend I ever had. The only one I shared with all my secrets? No. I must have been a fool to never see it."
"I have always told you that you are a fool. That man is not a prisoner. He is a detective on a mission in jail. Learn to be smart."
"John, you have to teach me some of these things."
"If you stop that incorrigible behavior of threats and talking unnecessarily, then you can learn one or two."
"I am not that naïve, the prison has taught me a number of things. I am now street smart."
"That is nothing. Now, away from that, what surprise do you have for your wife?"
"Which wife are you talking about?"
"Njeri aka Njoki, of course."
"That is your wife. I don't want more trouble"
"She is no longer my wife. In fact, I am married."
Wanjala chuckled, "You are kidding me, right? After killing Mutiso and having me imprisoned because of her? I now believe love is a scam."
"Not really like that. I realized I loved her, but she didn't. I just stopped forcing love."
"I knew such a gorgeous lady didn't deserve such cheap men like you."
"Nor such ugly men like you."
"But she was divorcing you for me. If I am that ugly, she wouldn't do that."
"It was for your money."
"Let me tell you. The love I had started inundating that lady with, she would have never looked back."
"Okay, you now have the monopoly. She is single and searching."
"I can't wait to revive what we had already started."
"But never come back crying for help."
"I am an expert in terms of love. I have never lost and I will never lose."
"Okay, professor of love."
The discussion in the car became more lively as they approached Wanjalas' home, where Njeri stayed. By the time they dropped Wanjala at the gate, they were friends. The past was no longer relevant to them.
As soon as Wanjala entered through the portal, John took out his phone, smashed it and threw it away, and shouted. "I am free at last."
The lawyer was shocked. "Is there something I don't know?"
"No, nothing."
"But your behavior is betraying you."
"I am just happy I have washed my hands.'
"I can bet my life, setting Wanjala free isn't what is exciting you."
"Nothing much."
"One day it will come out."
"Lets forget about that. Thank you so much for your collaboration. I am deeply indebted. Anytime you need my help, call my new number."
As Ondiso opened the door, a banquet of sweet-smelling flowers met her gaze. It took her by surprise. She couldn't recall the last time John was that romantic. John took her by the waist and within seconds, a salsa dance was nodding in agreement. It was a pleasant surprise that elicited more questions in his mind, but she enjoyed it.
"Today is the day. I have always promised, but today is for delivery."
Ondiso could not hide her discomposure. "What is really happening?"
"What you have always prayed for?"
"You should have prepared me in advance."
"A surprise needs no preparation. This is just the beginning of a glorious future." John reached into his pocket and fished out a small box. And within no time, he was on one knee, his eyes fixated on her eyes. "Ondiso, you are the best blessing that has ever happened in my life. The generator that restarted my failing heart beat. The critical last surgery that saved my life. Will you marry me?"
Ondiso wasn't expecting that, it took her by surprise. This was one of her wildest dream and it was unfolding before her eyes. She had known John to be such an unromantic man, with a soldier's demeanor that just made it worse.
"Yes, yes, yes," she shouted as she ran across the room.
"Thank you for accepting to marry me. You came into my life when I was going through too much. You never left, despite the obvious. I never expected you to stick with me throughout the entire period. Thank you.'
"You know, it is the love I have for you that has kept me going. I knew one day it will be fine.''
"Okay, inform your staff at the grocery you won't be around for two weeks. I want us to go and unwind in Diani."
The trip to Diani was such a therapeutic experience. John felt rejuvenated and younger. For the first time in years, he felt the worthiness of life. He had made up his mind to take early retirement and spend more time with his family.
************8
Two days from Diani, John received a call from a strange number.
"Hello John.'
"Hello, who is it?"
"You even deleted my number? How was Diani? So you thought I was that stupid to read through your schemes. The entire essence of you fighting so hard was to get rid of me. Yes, not that I was that stupid, but I just wanted to try and see if it can work with Wanjala, but by good luck it is not working and it won't work. So you better look for a place where I will be living with you. It is you I love and I will never take a no from you. Remember, the same way you cleared all obstacles to be with me is the same way I will clear all obstacles to be with you. I am giving you two weeks. You have to look for me or I will douse that Ondiso with petrol and do justice."
All strength in John evaporated.