Easter Sunday Showdown: Dele's Desperate Rescue Amidst Family Tragedy
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Shigba, the betrayer and backstabber, took control of the grim proceedings. "Shangolagba, bring the old man from the dungeon quickly," Shigba commanded without hesitation, "and fetch me one of the coconuts and the big hammer! You know the routine and what we always do. Dele's father will meet his Maker today!" In an instant, the elderly man was dragged before Pharaoh, trembling and fidgeting uncontrollably, his eyes brimming with heart-wrenching tears that left him momentarily speechless.
A Brutal Execution Unfolds
"Old man," Pharaoh roared, "you'll take your last breath in my presence now! Kneel down here, and I will expedite your journey to meet your Maker!" Suddenly, it became clear to Elder Oluleke that his son's former business partner was intent on ending his life. He bowed in sorrowful tears, weeping heartrendingly, and pleaded slowly, "Please, don't kill me, young man. I don't want to die... please, in God's name... don't waste my soul... it's not yet my time... Shigba..."
Pharaoh spat in anger, "No one can face the lion in its den; no fish can play with the shark in its domain! I have to kill you now, no turning back!" Swiftly, Pharaoh placed the hard coconut on the old man's head, raised the big hammer with all his might, and delivered a single, heavy blow. Elder Oluleke gasped for breath, struggled painfully, collapsed at Pharaoh's feet, and succumbed to a gruesome and agonizing death.
A Sinister Phone Call and Easter's Irony
Immediately after, Shigba phoned Dele to deliver the devastating news. "Hello Dele," he growled, "I have killed your dad! Your mum is next, then your wife and your only son!" Dele responded in tears, "No... noo... nooo... why did you do this to me, Shigba? I told you I'm coming with the money... oh no..."
The following day was Easter Sunday, a time when Christians worldwide were in a jolly and festive mood, enjoying lovely and bright weather. Despite the global celebration, Shigba remained bent on carrying out his wicked and diabolic acts. "Bring out the old woman from the dungeon quickly, Asinwole," Pharaoh ordered, "she is next to die! Don't forget to bring another hard coconut and my big hammer!"
A Dramatic Intervention from Above
In a flash, Dele's elderly mother was taken from the dungeon and brought to face death in a horrifying and inhuman manner. She trembled and stooped weakly, sweating profusely and shedding tears of agony. Pharaoh giggled with sardonic pleasure, placing his right foot on a human skull, possibly that of a man, and laughed raucously. "Kneel down here, old woman, this is where you'll meet your Maker!" he sputtered.
The woman complied, and as Pharaoh placed the hard coconut on her head and raised the hammer to strike, Dele suddenly dropped from the ceiling like a bolt from the blue! He grabbed the hammer from Shigba's hand, and a fierce struggle ensued. About five stout-looking men from Shigba's gang wrestled with Dele for approximately ten minutes. Alas, Dele was overpowered in the end and tied to a chair very close to his mother, leaving the fate of his family hanging in the balance.
To be concluded. Interested sponsors for this SHORT STORY column should please contact: 08023015115 or 08055356855.
