CHAPTER 35

Outskirts of New Town, Abuja – Evening

Jimmy's car slowed to a stop in front of a modest compound. He double-checked the address Mike had scribbled on the back of an envelope.

He stepped out and knocked on the rusted gate.

It creaked open.

Aunty Caro appeared, wearing a faded wrapper and headscarf. She blinked at the young man standing outside.

> "Jimmy?"

He gave a small nod. "Yes, ma. I'm sorry to come unannounced… I'm looking for Nelly."

She stared for a moment, surprised. "You came all the way here… but she's not with me anymore."

Jimmy's heart sank. "She's not here?"

Aunty Caro shook her head.

> "No. After everything, we had to move her somewhere safer. She's in Gwagwalada now — with a trusted friend of mine. Hidden from people who might still be looking for her."

Jimmy looked down, his hands balling into fists.

> "Please. I just want to talk to her. One time. I came to make things right."

Caro studied him for a long second. His voice, his face — it wasn't just guilt. It was heartbreak.

> "Come in," she said softly. "You'll stay the night. First thing tomorrow, I'll take you to her. But just know… if she says she doesn't want to see you, I won't force her."

Jimmy nodded. "I understand."

> "Good," she muttered. "Because this time, it's her heart I'm protecting. Not yours."

Miss Caro treated him well with meal and a soft bed to sleep on.

The next morning.

The sky was pale blue, with soft clouds hanging like secrets waiting to be told.

Inside Aunty Caro's compound, Jimmy stood by his car, keys in hand, waiting.

He had barely slept.

The night before, Mrs. Ada had learned about his arrival. She had peeked through the curtain, watching him eat in silence. She didn't say a word.

And now, she stood at the door, arms folded across her chest, watching them.

> "You sure this is a good idea?" Ada asked quietly.

Aunty Caro slipped on her slippers and adjusted her scarf.

> "He came all this way," she replied. "He deserves five minutes."

Ada nodded slowly, but her lips remained tight.

> "Just don't let him hurt her again."

Caro turned, met her sister's eyes.

> "I won't."

She walked toward the car.

Jimmy opened the door for her.

As they got in and the engine hummed to life, Ada called out one last time.

> "Tell her... I didn't stop him because sometimes the heart needs closure. But if she cries again—"

> "—She won't," Jimmy said from the window. "Not because of me. Not anymore."

With that, they pulled out of the compound.

---

ON THE ROAD – HEADING TO GWAGWALADA

The ride was quiet at first. The air between them held the weight of everything unsaid.

Finally, Aunty Caro broke the silence.

> "You look like a boy who's seen war."

Jimmy gave a small smile. "That's what it felt like."

> "You think she'll want to see you?"

He hesitated. "I hope she does."

> "And if she doesn't?"

Jimmy stared out the window.

> "Then at least she'll know I came."

Caro nodded.

> "Good answer."

They drove on — toward Gwagwalada, toward Nelly, toward whatever truth waited at the end of that long road.