Chapter 8 – "The First Move"

Ikoyi Bridge – A Dangerous Offer

The night air was thick with tension. Joshua locked eyes with Adisa, searching for any sign of deceit.

Power always came with a price.

Adisa smirked, reading Joshua's hesitation. "I see that sharp mind working. Good. You're not foolish like the others."

Joshua exhaled. "What's your real angle?"

Adisa chuckled. "I like to bet on winners. You have potential, kid. But right now? You're prey in a city full of predators."

Joshua stayed silent.

"I don't need your loyalty," Adisa continued. "I just need your willingness to survive."

A black envelope appeared in his hand.

"Inside is everything you need to make your first move against Otunba," Adisa said, tossing it onto the hood of his SUV. "Take it… or walk away and hope you see the sunrise tomorrow."

Joshua glanced at the envelope.

A lifeline… or a leash?

His fingers twitched. Then, slowly, he picked it up.

Adisa smiled. "Smart choice."

Before Joshua could respond, a black Range Rover pulled up beside them. The window rolled down.

A woman sat inside, eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.

"Is he in?" she asked.

Adisa grinned. "Looks like it."

Joshua frowned. "Who is she?"

"Your new guardian angel," Adisa said. "Or executioner, if you cross me."

The woman smirked. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

The door clicked open.

"Get in, kid," Adisa said. "It's time for your first lesson in power."

The Ride – A New World

Joshua slid into the backseat. The woman drove in silence, Adisa beside her.

The city blurred past, neon lights reflecting off tinted windows.

Joshua tapped the envelope against his palm. "What exactly is inside?"

"Names, numbers, and secrets," Adisa said. "Information is the real currency of power, Joshua. Money just keeps the game running."

Joshua flipped it open.

Inside were documents, pictures—proof of Otunba's offshore accounts, illegal deals, and hidden weaknesses.

Joshua's grip tightened. This was enough to break him.

"But why give this to me?" he asked.

Adisa exhaled smoke. "Because you remind me of myself."

Joshua looked at him.

Adisa smirked. "And because Otunba has had his turn. Now, it's yours."

The Café – A Fragile Romance

The next afternoon, Joshua met Amara again.

She was waiting at their usual spot, sipping iced tea. When she saw him, she smiled—but there was worry in her eyes.

"You disappeared last night," she said.

Joshua sat down, exhaling. "Had business to handle."

She leaned forward. "What kind of business, Joshua?"

He hesitated. He wanted to protect her. But lying? That never ended well.

"Things are getting dangerous," he admitted. "And I don't want you caught in the middle."

Amara reached out, taking his hand. "If you care about me… let me in."

Joshua exhaled. "I'm making moves that will change everything. But I need time."

Her fingers squeezed his. "Just don't push me away, okay?"

His heart ached. She deserved more than this world of power plays and danger.

But for now… all he could do was hold on to the moments they had.

A Public Statement – No Turning Back

That evening, Joshua stood on the rooftop of his apartment, phone in hand.

He dialed a number from the envelope.

A deep voice answered. "You're ready?"

Joshua looked out over Lagos. Time to make his first move.

"Let's begin."