I love you more jack
She is mine
Chapter ten
By Obodozie Favour Chioma
[ Hide and Seek ends here]
"Bella please don't do this to me please" I begged as tears flowed down my cheeks.
"I haven't even started and you're crying"Bella said laughing.
" What do you want? "I asked her.
"Money,sweetheart and I also want freedom too" Was her response.
"You know you don't deserve it. Do yourself a favor and surrender yourself to the police"I told her and I heard a gun shot.
" If you don't want to hear the scream of your son. You keep quiet and do as you are told"She warned.
" I'm sorry"I told her and I heard a laughter.
" I love it,you pleading for my forgiveness".I heard her say and I knew she was enjoying what she was doing.
"You want me and not any of my close ones so let them all go" I told her hoping she does.
" You have a point but I'm no longer interested in making you cry. I need cash and my freedom too, I'm sick and tired of this country I want to get out. Make that possible"She threatened.
"I will text you the address so you could come over with the money. Oh yes and one more thing. I don't want the corps or anyone knowing about this, let it be a secret between us"She said and hanged up.
Tears came rushing down my cheeks. It's all over, Bella is never going to spare them but then she only wants money and I should give her that but what if she wants more.
"We are both going to go through this together" Jake assured me after I told him everything Bella said.
"I'm really scared of doing this. I don't want to hurt anyone in the process"I told him and he smiled.
" Helping your family come out of tribulations and losing a few money won't hurt"Jake said and I stared away.
" It's not the money. It's the country, I'm breaking the law by bribing off Bella's crime just for her to gain her freedom. It's illegal and I might be hurting lives because I don't want to bury my child and close ones"I told him and he smiled.
"Not every woman is like you. Many mothers would jump at this opportunity without thinking of the outcome. Selfishness and love for their children would be the result of increasing corruptions"Jake said and pecked me softly.
" Trust me on this and yes I think I have a plan that would save both your son and others plus it will also put Bella behind bars where she belongs"Jake said and I tried smiling.
" Bella you know this isn't right"Gambo said infuriating me.
" What is? "I asked him.
" The fact that you are holding them hostage it's not fair" Gambo said and I wondered what was wrong with him.
" You seem to have forgotten what happened last night. Well let me give you a quick reminder. We heard my mum was arrested and our names are all over social media and so there wasn't any one who was interested in a acquiring a criminal's home".I told him watching him for a while before I continued.
"If we try bribing our ways out, we will get arrested if we w
are caught so our last resort is to kidnap these kids and they too, so don't you dare try to back off now".I warned him.
"Bella you witch, it would be better for you if you release us now because the police are on your trail and they would find you"The old woman angrily warned me.
" You're right. Gambo break that sim card no police is going to trace us"I told her and slapped her.
" You talk too much even at this age old hag"I said tying her mouth with an handkerchief.
" The next time I hear a word from you I promise it would be your last"I said and was about leaving when my eyes caught Paula shivering in tears.
"All this is because of you." I told her slapping her hard on the cheek.
"Mum, please let everyone go. I'm the one you are after" She cried out in pains.
" I'm not leaving without you Paula" Cried Jeremy.
"Wow,looks like you found yourself a boyfriend. You finally became useful to someone"I told her wanting to end her right there.
She caused all this with her stupid curiousity now I'm in this mess and the only way out is holding them hostage.
"I will be back and I don't want to hear anything from anyone"I said leaving Gambo to monitor them..
" Julia are you okay? "My god mother tried asking.
She mumbled the words but it was clear enough to understand.I watched my Aunt frown without saying a word.
I noticed she didn't want to hear anything from her mum and she was avoiding her.
"Don't try talking to me" She responded.
"Don't talk like that. I didn't mean to hide your father's true identity but that man doesn't deserve your love at all"She tried saying this time her words were easy to understand and clear.
" You hid him for 21 years mum,I have always thought he was dead but no, you hid the truth from me".She said and then the man made to watch us shouted immediately for us to keep shut.
"It would be best for you if you keep shut. I don't play games I kill for a living. I can kill you"Was his scaring tone.
" My love"Jake called after I had with drawed five million naira from my bank account.
Bella had texted the amount she needed and the address of which I should take the money to.
"What?" I asked wondering if she had hurt anyone.
"I think we should inform the police" He suggested and I gave him a stern look.
" Police?. Bella is too dangerous even for the police, what if she finds out then what? "Was my impatient voice.
Things were too uptight for me now to even think, I could be called selfish but I just want my family back irregardless of robbing the law of Justice.
I dialed the General commissioner of Police and he answered. His words were "Why do you want to close the ongoing case concerning Miss bella? ".
I really wanted to ignore his questions but then he said "Ma'am were your kids held hostage so you would do whatever she says?"
Jake collected the phone from me and talked to the man sparing no detail about what happened.
"I will send my boys there" He said and hanged up.
"You just killed us Jake, Bella will not spare them" I told him and my phone beeped.
I checked my phone and saw a text message she sent, I read it" By 2pm sharp, I want you there" Was her text message.
I heard a door bell and came out only to see a package. My phone beeped again.
"Check that package, it contains the pictures of your close ones and pieces of their clothing. If you don't want me sending their bodies to you,don't try informing the police".
I looked round and carried the package inside. I entered to see men dressed in black talking with Jake.
"How did you get into my home and who are you?" I asked staring at the mysterious men in black.
" We are FBI agents and we came in from the back door. We were sent here by the General police officer to help you get the wanted criminal Bella by name"A man responded with so much confidence and I could guess he was their boss.
"Show us the number she used to call you" One of them demanded.
"She has called with three different numbers now".I told them and then smiled.
"She's clever. Ma'am we can't track her location if you both don't maintain a long conversation of 5 minutes". The police said and he lost hope.
My phone rang and it was Bella.
" Is my money ready?" was her words.
"Yes, five million naira"I told her.
"Good" She said about ending the call.
"Wait Bella!" I said and she asked.
"What?"
"I want to hear my son's voice please"I begged.
" Whatever. You have got two minutes to do that"She said and I smiled staring at the police who said it remained a minute and they could track her location.
"Mummy" I heard Jeremy say and I couldn't contain the joy.
"My love. I will have you back soon" I told him.
"Yes mummy"He said.
" Forty seconds and we will get her location"Their leader said.
" My love, try dialing the police number the one you memorised so we could track your loca.. "The call was disconnected.
"Why did you disconnect the call?" Bella asked Gambo annoyed.
" Use your brains lady. They are trying to track our location"He said to her and she frowned.
" That witch Jane wants to double cross me" I said already upset.
" Calm down and let's try to leave this place"Gambo said staring at me.
" Where exactly?. It's best we stay here plus I don't think she was able to track this place location.
"Yes, thanks to me" He said smiling.
"What happened?" The leader asked staring at me.
"The call got disconnected" I told them.
"What?."He said and Jake stared at them.
"Were you able to track it?" He asked.
"No, it remains 4 seconds but since the call was discontinued we have no signal" The leader explained.
" Meaning my son won't be okay. Bella would harm him, she warned me not to involve the police,what if she knows they are involved. "I cried out.
" Calm down my love. I'm sure everything would be sorted out".Jake said but I wasn't convinced.
I waited all through the day but there was no calls or texts from Bella.
Around 6:49 am I got a text and it says
"They don't play games with Bella. I play the queen and you follow my lead. You are forgiven but then I don't trust you again. "I stopped reading and wondered what she is going to do.
" I will send you the address of the place where you would see a black car where you will keep the 5 million naira in the car boot, you will see your son and his grandma" I smiled reading it .
"But then if you try to outsmart the queen, you will see their bodies"Was her text.
I prayed silently to God hoping he helps me. I couldn't eat so I prepared food for others to eat.
The FBI agents slept over at my house waiting for Bella's call. I showed them the text and they decided to stay low before doing anything.
"Everyone, my mum tried telling me to call the police so they could track our location so by all means we need to get that man's phone"I told them and they agreed.
We watched him sleep and Paula helped untying the ropes I had on. After that My grandma caused a distraction that made that woman holding us hostage to run to her.
I tiptoed out of the room and to where the man was sleeping, I picked up his phone and dialed the police number.
"Hello, what your emergency?" They asked.
"I'm being held hostage in an uncompleted building please help"I said and I heard
" We will try to track your number so by all means make sure you don't end this call"Was their response.
I nodded keeping the phone back in his drawer where I found it. The call would go on till it is tracked and they won't know.
I tiptoed back to where I was tied up just in time before that woman came in.
"And where did you try running off to?" She asked and I stared at her.
"I didn't go anywhere" I lied to her scared of the outcome.
She slapped me hard on the cheek.
"Looks like you weren't trained well by your mum" Was her response.
" Mum please"Paula begged while I tried hard not to cry.
" Mum?. Who's your mum?, I'm in this mess all because of you. I promise you after I get my money and I release them I will make sure you regret doing what you did. I promise to make you suffer till your last breath. That would teach you never to mess with me". She said and walked away.
" Ma'am we just received a message from our boss saying your son's location has been tracked"I heard and I smiled jumping up for joy.
My prayers were answered fast and shockingly too.
"Thank you Lord" I said smiling.
"My love God is on our side"Jake said laying a peck on my cheeks.
" Yes he is" I told him smiling.
"We don't want to rush in there because she might hurt your close ones that why I have got a perfect plan "The leader of the FBI agents said and I smiled.
"My plans are simple, you go to her with the bag containing a bit of money there would be a tracking device attached to it incase something happens, we follow you but wait until she moves with the money while my men go to where her location was found and burst out her partner in crime. I'm guessing he must be there waiting for her call".He said and we all clapped.
" Whoa this is brilliant" I told him and Jake held my hands.
" We are going to save our children"He told me and I guessed he had started regaining his memory.
" I can't let you go all by yourself" Nathan said holding my hands.
" I will be fine Nathan, besides the whole police force are with me and God too so don't worry"I told him staring at Nancy who came close.
" You sure? "He asked and I nodded.
" What you are about to do is really risky and brave. I really respect you for that"Nancy said and I smiled.
" Don't make me blush, Nathan is braver than me. He asked you out what I'm scared to do" I said teasing her a bit.
" Oh really? "Nathan said and we smiled.
"I will be in the car with the FBI agents remember the signal to use."Jake said and I smiled while we both chorused
" God help"
He pecked me and stopped a little bit far from where Bella asked me to come, I could see them park near a big border.
A rock that wasn't easy to notice. The whole place was quiet and I saw no one there.
"Hello! Bella! Hello! " I called out while searching for her with my eyes.
"Missed me baby" I heard and I turned to her smiling.
"Where is my son you witch?" I called out and she laughed.
"You should be grateful I didn't kill him. Where is my money?" She demanded.
" Here is it. Give me back my family"I told her.
" Jeremy, come out"She called.
" Mum! "Jeremy called out running to me.
I hugged him tight and Bella came close for the money.
"You can't have that until I see everyone"I told her holding unto the bag.
" Is my name cleared?" She asked and I stared at her.
"I tried my best. " I told her and she stared at her with her left brows raised.
"I did" I told her and watched her smirk.
"You're just like me Jane,You pretend to be holy but deep down you aren't. Look you just bribed my name off the law"She said laughing.
" Bring my family to me"I told her and she rolled her eyes.
" Julia and that old hag come out"She said staring at them as they walked close to me.
" Where's Paula?" I questioned.
"You mean my daughter?"She asked and I stared at her in disgust.
"We all know she isn't your real daughter so cut the crap and tell me where she is" I told her losing my patience.
" She is with me, at least she deserves some punishment for getting me in this mess"Bella said and I lost control.
" Don't you have a heart?,Why are you so heartless?"I asked her and she smiled.
" Sweetie I'm only after money and nothing more"She said holding the bag of money.
" I won't leave until I see her" I said standing my ground.
" I want to see Paula! "Jeremy said and Bella pulled out a gun.
"It would be better for you if you all go home" She said and drove her car.
" Jeremy! "Jake said hugging him.
"Dad!" Jeremy called out and I watched them.
"Dad please save Paula, She is in big trouble that woman won't let her go. She hates her please mum do something I'm not sure I can live without her"My son said shocking me and every one present.
I could see the love he had for her even at this tender age he had love for this girl.
"My men are onto it. They are tracking her right now" The FBI agent said smiling at me.
" I want to come along"I told him.
" Me too"Jake said and I shook my head in disapproval.
" No, please take them home. Some one has to be there incase Bella decides to show up"I told him and he nodded.
I got into the Jeep with the FBI agents and some police officers. We were informed that Gambo her partner had being caught in the uncompleted building where we tracked down their location but Paula was no where to be found.
We were in pursuit of Bella's car and the General officer in charge of the police department made sure to block all roads leading out of the city.
The whole TV stations and radio stations all were filming and talking about how the police are in pursuit of the wanted criminal BELLA.
From what they said
"The police are in pursuit of the wanted criminal Bella Smith who was Mr Jake Smith wife from the rumors and police discovery she had drugged him and she is on a murder case. She is accused of murdering Mrs Smith, Mr Jake cousin and many more."
" We are tracking down her location now" The FBI agent told me and I nodded.
" I'm finally out of this city just a few meters away. Where's Gambo? I don't see his car parked here? "I asked staring at the road.
I turned on the radio trying to calm down but then I got the worst shock of my life.
"Her partner Gambo was caught today by the police and right now,the police are in pursuit of her".I turned off the radio.
" What the hell! So Gambo has being arrested?,that bastard was of no use to me before. I just need to get out of this city with my money"I said opening the bag I collected from Jane.
"What this?. No. No. No that witch wouldn't dare" I said almost in tears.
The bag was filled with papers, torn ones.
"I promise I would kill her" I said staring at my pistol. I checked my mirrors only to see a black car driving close to me.
"Am I being chased? What am I going to do?" I said still driving.
I pulled out my gun and tried shooting but I missed and then a police officer also tried shooting back.
"Damn you Jane! I hate you" I said driving into a lonely road.
I stopped by then the police car had also stopped.
I opened my boot, bringing out Paula, I untied her hands and placed the pistol on her head.
"You come anywhere close to me and I swear I will shoot her" I told them.
" Let her go Bella your time is up"Jane said and I scoffed.
" It not over until I say it over" I told her and she chuckled a bit.
" The whole police department is surrounding you. Where do you think you would be able to run to now?"Jane asked me and I could hear a mocking tone in her voice.
"Watch me escape. Now everyone drop their guns down and take a few steps away from your weapons"I said and smiled.
" You think I'm joking. Do you want the child killed?"I said and they watched Paula cry.
I watched them do as instructed and I laughed.
"You would never be a mother you wicked witch" Jane cursed.
" I know my destiny darling don't spell it out to me" I warned her.
" Now listen closely. I had her wear a bomb jacket and if you don't want me pressing the button to activate the bomb you do as you are told"I said and watched Jane almost in tears.
" Save your tears I'm only starting" I told her and smiled.
" What do you want?" She asked and I smiled.
" Now you're talking. My demands are really simple and that is you transfer 20 million dollars to my account right now and make sure I get the money delivered to me in a couple of minutes"I told her and she frowned.
" Greedy as always"was her response.
"Whatever do as you are told"I said smiling.
" I can't. Your account has been frozen up by the bank"She said and I smiled.
" I know darling that why you will have the money delivered to you right now"I told her and smiled.
" You have got only five minutes before the bomb explodes"I told her and she stared at me.
" You know you would also die right?" She said and I smiled.
"Let me worry about that. Your time is ticking" I told her watching her call her bank.
" The money is being delivered" She said and I smiled.
" Good. So for little entertainment how about you get intimate with the FBI agent here"She said and I stared at her in disgust.
" Don't overstep your boundaries" Jane warned me getting me upset.
" You do as you are told" I warned her staring at Paula.
" I hope you know I own her life right now. You do that and I tell you the pin to deactivate the bomb"i told her and she stared at me.
" Think wisely sweetheart and you get your clothes off"I said staring at the FBI agent.
" In front of the kid" The FBI agent said and I smiled.
" Don't worry about that. She would get to see all this in the future so why wait let her watch the live show"I said and Jane stared at me in disgust.
" Sweetie don't waste my time. Hey you record what happens"I said staring at the police officer staring at me.
"I promise you. You will regret this" Jane warned.
" Shut up and do as you are told"I said and looked up to see some police officers coming.
I pushed Paula and ran into the bushes but that witch followed me. I could swear I saw her collect a pistol from the FBI agent close to her.
I ran as fast I could but she was on my trail.
"Stop and fight like a woman you witch" She yelled.
I got fed up, I didn't care if I was caught but right now I am going to send this girl to the Lord hopefully he would accept her.
"You better not try me" I warned her and she stared at me.
We were both trying to catch our breathe.
"Drop your gun and fight me" She told me and I did.
I watched her dropped hers. I wanted to kill her with my pistol but with my bare hands was more fun.
I came at her and we both started fighting. I held her hair punching her hard on the face. I was on top of her and no sooner Jane overpowered me and threw me of guard punching and hitting me hard.
I tried struggling and fighting my way but I couldn't. She overpowered me and slapped me hard on the cheeks. Her words were;
"This is for all what you did to Jake"
I got a hard slap for that. " For every bad thing you have done" She kept on slapping me till I could see nothing again.
I woke up in an hospital bed handcuffed.
"Let me go" I screamed out but no one came.
"I can't go to jail. I can't" I screamed out but no one came.
"I don't want to die" Paula Cried while I stared at the bomb expert.
" Sweetie don't worry we will crack the code" I told her praying silently.
" Thank fully the bomb was to be activated in an hour but that doesn't mean the timer would stop. Try to remember if you know the code she typed in"The bomb expert asked staring at Paula.
" Wait! She typed it? "I asked Paula who nodded.
She was still in the bomb jacket and I could see tears in her eyes. I went into my room and came out with a powder and I applied it on the case which the code was typed in.
I used a little broom stick to wipe away the powder and we could see Bella's finger print on it.
"This is brilliant" The bomb expert said smiling,I watched her type it and then she got the jacket off Paula who hugged me.
I watched her disconnect the wires after deactivating the bomb.
"Thank you so much" Paula said hugging me, I wiped her tears and smiled.
" Thank God not me" I told her and she smiled.
" Paula! "My son called out hugging her.
I watched them embrace each other, none wanting to let go.
"I don't know what I would have done if you had died.." She interrupted my son.
" Shhhshh I don't plan on leaving you. Besides I had God and your mum to save me"She told him while everyone watched them.
Three days later
" Now that everything is normal I want to use this medium to ask for your hand in marriage Nancy"Nathan said with one kneel on the ground.
"Will you marry me?" He asked her and she nodded.
"Yes I will" She said while we watched them hug and kiss.
"Congratulations" I and Jake chorused.
"Thank you so much." They both chorused.
"My son I knew you had it in you" His mum said and we all laughed.
"Welcome to the family sister in-law" Julia said and I smiled watching her hug Nancy.
" Now that settled let party" I said and we all cheered on.
I had an investigator search for Paula's real parents but then they were confirmed dead. Nathan and Nancy adopted her as their daughter after their wedding.
I was glad to see they loved her and wanted her. Paula was enrolled into Jeremy's school making him happy.
Julia and her mum finally settled and Nathan's mum agreed to let her officially see her dad.
He apologized for all what he did and accepted Julia has his own along with nathan and his three kids.
Everyone became happy again. In a week time the court would announce Bella's verdict.
Gambo was confirmed dead in the prison cell, Bella's mum was released and from what I heard she is starting off again from the scratch.
I gave her some money to start up something and I went back to my company running it with my husband to be.
Yes! You heard me right.
I waited for Jake to fully recover before we planned anything else.
He proposed to me one very night and guess what?. I agreed!
I said yes to him and I can't wait to be his. He would finally be mine all mine!
Yes I have secretly waited for years to finally hear Mrs Jane Smith. Nice ring!
Bella finally signed the divorce papers that was handed to her by my lawyer and in a few months their divorce would be finalized and guess what would happen.
I would be walking the aisle in a white long wedding dress going close to Jake.
The day for the trail came and I walked into Bella's cell to see her as usual she still had her proud ego lifted.
I warned her to try and change her ways but she refused saying she never deserved all this and I was the cause why she never succeeded.
I walked away realising you can't change everyone. The court gave out his order after each lawyer had poured out what they Know concerning the case.
In the judge words" Bella Smith Orchard is found guilty of the crime displayed forward and so is therefore to be killed by hanging. That all for now".
I walked out of the court house watching people walk to where Bella's life span was cut to an end.
I prayed silently that God accepts her soul and make her rest in peace. I walked down to my car and was about driving when I got a text from Jake.
"My love guess what?. I talked to the priest and he fixed a date for our church wedding. On the 26th of this month January we will both be husband and wife".
I smiled reading the text, in a few days I would be married to Jake and I will be called Mrs Jane Smith.
The wedding preparations had started and the next day I was going to be married to Jake. I stared at my wedding dress imagining how beautiful I would look just then I got a text.
"I can't wait to see you in your wedding dress."
"Finally 26 is here"Julia said smiling.
" I should be more excited it my wedding"I told her while Kira my make-up artist finished making me beautiful.
"Sure, sure" Nancy said staring at me.
"You look beautiful" She complimented.
"All thanks to me" Kira said and I smiled.
Beep! I heard and turned to see a text.
" Jeez I wonder who is that?" Nancy said sarcastically.
" It obviously the groom,he can't wait to see her"Julia said smiling.
" Give me my phone Kira"I said but she refused.
"He just has to wait besides what a couple of minutes. He is going to have you for a lifetime"She said and I smiled.
" True but let me have a look on what he sent me" I told her, collected my phone and dialed my pin.
I unlocked my phone and clicked on the message only to see the most amusing text.
"What funny?. Read the text" Julia said staring at me.
" Alright. Dear Customer, your data purchase has granted you locked data bonus. Buy same data plan to unlock 8 MB or higher data plan to unlock 30MB bonus within 1 day."I said and we all laughed.
We walked into the church and Nathan acted the role of my father by escorting me to where Jake was standing nervously waiting for me.
After the ring exchange, we we're blessed by the priest and asked to receit each other's vows.
"Jane Rolland do you take Jake Smith to be your lawfully wedded husband in love and in hardship, in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in good health, till death do you both apart?"
" I do"
"Jake Smith do you take Jane Rolland to be your lawfully wedded husband in love and in hardship, in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in good health, till death do you both apart?"
" I do"
" You may receit your vows"The priest said and we both smiled .
" I Jake Smith promise to be a good husband to you. To love you, cherish you, protect you, guide you, respect you, honour you for the rest of my life".
" I Jane Smith promise to respect you as my husband, honour you, love you, guide you if possible, acknowledge your words, cherish you for the rest of my life"
" And to the groom you may now kiss the bride"The priest said while Jake removed my veil smiling at me and then he leaned over, his hands on my neck and we both kissed.
"Woooooooooooooooooow" the crowd cheered and cheered encouraging us not to stop and of course we took advantage of it as none wanted to let go.
"Go get a room" Nathan said and we stopped laughing.
The after party came and I threw my bouquet of flowers and guess who caught it?.
JULIA!
Can't wait for her wedding. I smiled at Jake, my son and everyone present and knew this is where I belong.
An orphan girl finally found love and I'm extremely happy. Jake held my hands and walked up to the live band playing asking for the mic.
"Hey everyone I want to use this medium to thank you all for everything most especially God Almighty for seeing me through and for bringing her to my life. I finally have her guys. SHE IS MINE" .He said and the crowd cheered him on while we kissed.
And for those of you wondering this is the End.