Chapter 15 : The devil within

"And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him".

-John 13 : 2

Kingsley Condominium.

"Whatever, man. If its some kind of sick game, stop it. How do you even know she's been kidnapped?", Jeremy joined them in the running.

Aaron didn't say anything and rushed to his car, "Come on".

He starts the engine and drives through the gate.

"Careful, sir", Rachel heard the commotion from the second balcony floor.

Aaron had rushed out the compound.

"Shit. Get back here, Aaron", Jeremiah tried to run but Anod stopped him.

"Please, don't get involved, sir. Its dangerous".

Jeremy shoved Anod off him, "Really? If its dangerous, won't it be dangerous for my brother?".

"I know, sir but they know what they're up against", He looked down, "You don't".

Jeremiah pointed at him, "You better pray to whatever legended diety you pray to. If Aaron is harmed, I will hurt her", He walked away.

And looks at Rachel, who stood helplessly on the balcony floor.

"Are you okay, Anod? Sir?", She called out.

"Yeah", Anod answered for both of them.

* * * * * * * * * *

Aaron put every effort he had. Every strength he could build up - He fashioned it unto the wheel and speed of the car.

Hoping that he wasn't late. There was only one place he was certain Josie would hold his wife hostage - The playground.

Goddammit! If he was right.

Having parked his car, he got out slowly. The cold was getting to him and he was becoming afraid. The playground was empty. Was he wrong?

He heard footsteps. Someone was running. He followed after it. The runner was so fast he could hardly keep up so he threw his side-arm at it and it fell with a thud. Breathing heavily, he approached the figure, "Hey".

Turning around, Chioma coughs.

Aaron helps her up, "Are you okay?".

Holding him tighter, she began to cry, "It hurts".

"Its okay. I'm here", He carries her safely to his car and drives to the hospital.

North Pelican Hospital.

12am.

"Doctor, she ran for quite a while? Is it okay? she's pregnant, after all", said worried Aaron.

The doctor replied with a smile, "Running is generally safe during pregnancy. It won't cause a miscarriage or harm to the body. In fact, its safe to exercise while being pregnant".

"Okay. Thanks, doc", Aaron exhaled briefly.

"You can rest now, Mrs Kingsley", the doctor left the couple.

Aaron turned to her, "Are you okay, love?".

Chioma nodded slowly, "I think".

Sitting on the hospital bed, he brought her close to him, "I missed you. I thought - - - that - you left me again".

"No", She turned to him, "I would never do that. Please don't say that ever".

"Josie's still alive. You just disappeared hours ago", Aaron stood up immediately.

"I know", She tried to stand up and almost fell but he caught her in time.

"Be careful. You've been through enough. We have been through a lot", His voice was cracking, "I'm scared. You probably think I'm weak".

"No. Being weak and scared is what makes us human. Its human to cry. Its human to hurt. Its okay. You're not weak to me, I mean sometimes you sound stupid ---", she began.

Aaron was shocked, "Are you trying to encourage me or the other way around?".

She stifles a laugh, "I know but everything will be fine. I'll protect you".

"I'm the one to tell you that", He pulls her closer to him.

"It doesn't matter who tells who the other", She places her head on his chest, "Josie just gave off her weak spot and I'll need your help, honey".

"You got it the moment you said 'I do'. Problem is you keep going after her alone", Aaron said.

"I know", She sighed, "But now, we're a team. Back at the house when I ordered pizza, it was Josie that sent the delivery guy".

"I figured. She called me", He replied.

Chioma nods, "She did but I escaped. Apparently, I feel more confident than I ever have before".

"Why is that?", asked Aaron.

"Josie has a weakspot. Of all the family members, she cherish. Its her mother".

"You're right. This is the hospital Josie's mother is".

"Yeah".

"If the woman isn't here by tomorrow then Josie has taken her mother with her".

Aside.

"Mother is awake", Josie smiles.

"You're happy, aren't you?", the priest tells her.

"I am. She doesn't look the same. Her eyes were almost lifeless", Josie was almost sad.

Patting her hair softly, he smiles, "Its okay".

"I told her about sister", Josie looks up to him.

"How did she take it?", He asked.

"As expected. Shocked. She's been asleep for years", replied Josie.

"Your sister is dull hearted. Her beliefs are covered with falsehood. You are not like her. You serve God", The priest tells her.

"You are my battle axe and weapons of war. For with you", He turns to the altar, "will I break nations in pieces".

"Meshach was right to turn to Christ", Josie stood up.

"Yes. Now that you are out of the place, we will celebrate. Perhaps, a gift to your sister", the priest smiles.

"Sure".

3 : 16am.

Chioma awakens. Aaron lays next to her sleeping soundly. She gets down from the bed to go to the bathroom. Wearing her slippers, something caught her eye, she goes to the front door and sees a white piece of paper under the door. Picking up Aaron's gun from his side arm, she treads carefully to the door and opens it. There was no one in the halls. Closing the door, she takes up paper to read what it says:

"Hello, Chichi. I miss you. I want us to talk like we did before but since Aaron is important to you, I guess you deserve a break. I'll be back in a week for you. Now, open the door. There's a gift for you".

This was obviously from Josie. Whatever gift she has given wasn't normal. Exhaling softly, she opens the door. Something drips on the ground. She squats to look at it. Its water. More drips down on her hair and she looks up.

"Aargh!", she screams at the top of her voice.

Aaron startles from sleep upon hearing a loud scream, "What's wrong?".

Before them was the hanging body of Erica Martindale and Israel.