Shade of Lust (Episode 2)

Shade of Lust (Episode 2)

Jude’s side of the story continues.’ are you for real?’’

I asked breathlessly as a new kind of relief
filled my entire being. I wasn’t expecting such generosity. It
really came as a great surprise to me.

‘’We will leave for the city in two days. You will stay with me
until you get your spirit back’’ he answered, tapped my
shoulder and left with a smile. And that was how I became
very close to Kelvin.
We left the village two days later and headed to his house as
he promised. He owned a very cute bungalow, well furnished
and designed with superior taste.

‘’This is my house. I pay no rent to anyone’’ he revealed as we
walked into the plush apartment, leaving me gasping with
disbelief as I imagined how much he’s worth.
‘’This is not only my home but yours as well. In no time you
will understand a lot. You will get answers to the questions I
know running through your young mind’’ he said with a savvy
smile. I shrugged and smiled at him.

*Kelvin’s side of the story*

 My uncle’s death really came as a great blow to me. He was
the only uncle that encouraged and regularly sent me money
when I dropped out of school due to my stupidity years ago.
Before his death, he confided in me that he planned returning
permanently to Nigeria to run a business. He never told me
the details of the business or who was helping him with it.
Hence my great surprise to learn of his death, just a day after
his arrival to the country.

Yes it definitely looked like murder to me even though the
medical report obtained said he died of natural causes. I was
just so helpless and couldn’t do a thing than to observe as my
father and uncles speedily buried the unfortunate man, leaving
his young son who really didn’t know much about life or
Nigeria to fend on his own.
Jude was more of an American than a Nigerian. The color of
his skin, his voice, his behavior, the way he walked and
everything about him was just American. I took pity on him
and had to offer him a life even though what I was offering
was a life of crime but then with it he could maintain his rich
lifestyle, finish his education and be a good man.
So what exactly do I mean by a life of crime?? Hmmmm
Yes having dropped out of school, my parents cursed and left
me on my own. I had to survive. I had to do everything to
make money and of course I succeeded.
I had to join some friends in yahoo scam, we lied, we duped,
we robbed unfortunate victims but it never stopped there. We
upgraded to kidnapping and oil theft. In two years I had a
house in Owerri where I based, plus a very fat bank account.
The easiest way to make real money was through crime but it
equally was the easiest to die.

Young Jude had the looks, the charms and the brain for
business. Everything about him was good for business and as
his new guardian, my job was to take care of him and help him
to the top via any means.
Nevertheless I still had my doubts. Jude looked so tender and
gentle. Somehow I was scared if he could really live up to
expectation.

HOURS LATER;
Jude’s side of the story continues
‘’Thanks Kelvin for everything. You are the last person I
expected to help me’’ I said to him with a heart filled with
gratitude as we enjoyed an evening meal in a very plush fast
food joint. He smiled and nodded.

‘’So tell me, are you a virgin?’’ he suddenly asked, leaving me
totally embarrassed. I almost choked with embarrassment.
‘’Come on be free with me” he urged with a short laugh. I
shrugged with hesitation as my school life flashed back to my
head. I never had a girlfriend but my affluent lifestyle and look
really left a dozen girls on my speed dial.

‘’No, I’m no virgin’’ I stammered softly. He laughed and offered
his hand for a handshake.
‘’That’s good’’ he surprisingly said, leaving me wondering what
he asked the uncomfortable question for.
I had my doubts about Kelvin but he was a very likable
parson and the only one that offered me what no one else
cared to offer me. I had to be strong and focused to survive
and dig out those behind my father’s death.