Chapter 5 Missing Mother

Deja

"I hate him, Dakota. I don't know what I did to have such a horrible father." My eyes remain on the ceiling as I rant to my best friend over the phone.

"I'm so sorry, baby. He must have really hurt you because I know how hard it can be for you to talk about your family, especially your dad. I wish I was there with you." Dakota consoles

"I wish you were here too. I'm sure you'd detest him as much as I do." I let out an exhausted sigh before laying down on my side.

"If he annoys you or does anything to hurt your feelings I'm going Krav Maga on him." Dakota teased. She all but attended one agonizing Krav Maga class, and ever since, she has convinced herself she's an expert.

The delusion.

I chuckle at the brief attempt to take my mind off the contract and my father. "Yes, Master Dakota." I laugh teasingly.

"You mock me now, but I assure you, I'll be an expert in KM very soon. Watch and see." She huffs playfully over the phone.

There was movement on the other end of the phone but I just ignored it. "I believe you. And then you make sure my father is your test dummy." I was angry and spiteful.

"With pleasure. So, tell me who's this strange person you're supposed to marry?"

"I was too angry to ask. Besides, it's not going to happen. I'm not agreeing to a fake marriage to please my father." A frown appeared on my face once again

Dakota is silent longer than usual and I'm about to ask what the problem is when she speaks, "Oh, shit. Did you see the news this morning?" She asks

"News, what news? I'm in Nigeria remember?" I remind her again

"Check the Daily Gist!" I roll my eyes at my best friend's version of the news. Her news outlet is an Instagram page called the Daily Gist.

Dakota seems to like them because according to her they don't hold back or tell half stories. Which is true, but she'll never hear me admitting it.

That's also where she got the idea to start her news blog. I have no idea what that is or if it's even a thing but she's pretty convinced it is. And if it's not, leave it to Dakota to make it a thing.

I typed in the Daily Gist handle and clicked on their newest post. "Oh my God, Dakota they posted your news blog!" I exclaim happily.

Her news blog has been doing well. She started two months ago, and although the views and engagement aren't through the roof, the support is huge enough for someone new. I remember getting her a cake when she got to a thousand subscribers.

She was so happy.

"Yes! And Look, they tagged me in it!" She shrieks joyfully "Wait, am I famous now? Does this mean I'm famous?" She jokes

I laugh, "Slow your roll, madam celebrity."

She laughs too, "Did you read what I wrote about? It's about Poison Ivy." I roll my eyes at the silly nickname she unknowingly gave me.

Dakota doesn't know that I am 'Poison Ivy'. Or as the news outlet and the people have deemed me -- Kiss of Death.

By the way, I do find all these names extremely ridiculous.

What the hell sort of name is Poison Ivy? I mean yeah, poison was sometimes my method but mostly if I wanted the death to be painful and slow.

See the thing about taking the law into my hands is that I do all the work the justice system somehow failed to have done. Like, not passing on the right sentence just because the accused's family is rich and from old money. Or because the offender may be the son of a councilman, or another ignorant, and selfish politician's child that doesn't care for proper judgment only because such news will taint their career and family name. I'll get the justice the victims deserve. Whether dirty or not.

And I can tell you one thing, it's not easy to monitor unpunished sex offenders.

"Hello, earth to Deja.." Dakota trails off trying to get my attention.

I get out of my head and pay attention to what she asked. "I'm sorry, Dakota. I wasn't able to read your blog. With everything going on -- I did get the notification on the plane but I was too unsettled to check it out." I explained.

"I'm such an idiot. I'm so sorry, Deja. I understand you, sorry I was ignorant." She apologizes.

I chuckle lightly, "It's okay. I'm very happy you're getting more recognition though, you deserve it." Dakota worked hard to get her news blog to where it is and I'm proud of her.

"Thank you, darling. I have to go now, a customer just walked in. But I'll be sure to text and call to check up on you. Don't hesitate to shoot me a text if you need to talk about anything. Anything at all, I mean it." Dakota tells me.

I smile and agree with her, "I will. Although I'm in my hotel room now, I doubt anything annoying with be coming my way." I assured her.

If only I knew how wrong I was.

Dakota and I said our goodbyes and then I listened for the telltale beep notifying me the call had come to an end before setting my phone aside and relaxing into the comfortable embrace of the soft duvet.

I close my eyes so I can welcome the sleep that was beginning to envelop my body and mind. When several minutes later, a loud voice yanked me away from my brief rest and into real life again.

The voices are very loud I'm sure the entire hotel floor can hear the annoying disturbance.

I'm about to walk outside and complain when I hear the familiar voice belonging to my father, yelling my name.

"What the hell," I mutter to myself before opening the door and making my presence known.

I hadn't even told anyone where I'd be spending the night, not even my mum. And that was because I wanted to avoid confrontations or unnecessary visits like this.

I let out part of my mind to my father yesterday. And knowing him and how proud he is, I was surprised he didn't react the way I'd expect him to. I just knew he might come up with something like this -- barging into the hotel and demanding to see me.

"What are you doing here, Dad?" I can't hide the frown that takes place on my face.

"I'm very sorry ma'am I couldn't stop him. He just pushed past me and barged right in." The young receptionist apologized. Poor guy was shaken, he probably assumed I'd tell his manager about this. I had it in mind to, but I assume my after I'm done meeting with my father, he would have provoked me to the extent of immense tiredness.

"Dejare follow me, we need to talk." My father ommands while eyeing the receptionist who isn't one bit bothered about his presence. He mumbles another apology before scurrying off hastily.

"How did you find me?" I ask

"The driver followed you." He replies without any hint of regret for his actions, both past and most recent.

"Your boss's driver you mean? And by the way, I'm quite busy right now. Maybe have the driver follow me again when I change my hotel. I hope then you can take the hint." I snap irritatedly.

He has a visible scowl on his face but he doesn't seem to show any other reaction. "Your mother is missing." He states abruptly.

"W-what?" My voice cracks, and I feel my heart drop into my stomach at the shocking news.