BLOOD LIVES HERE

Eyes wide open in the middle of the night, Ludo was horrified with whatever bad dream she was having. She tried to move her head but to no avail. She could only move her eyes. She could see most of the things in her room but couldn't reach for them. She usually slept with her bedroom door open. She tried to scream but her voice failed her. The more she tried to move, the difficult it became. She felt a presence in the room and became even more afraid. Her eyes shifted to the door in hopes of seeing her mother coming to her aid. She saw an ominous shadow at the door peeping.

In seconds, she felt a weight pressed against her body that she failed to breathe. Her body was paralyzed and there was no way to fight the paralysis.

"Ludo!" Her mother shouted entering the bedroom.

Ludo saw her mother sitting beside her but she still couldn't move. Her mother just sat there and watched her.

"Mother," Ludo whispered after relaxing.

"You are awake?" she reached for the pillow and moved Ludo's head.

"It was happening again mother," Ludo dropped a tear.

"I saw it baby," Ludo's mother said.

"Mother this is not sleep paralysis," Ludo complained.

"It is Ludo."

"But i saw someone peeping at me from the door," Ludo said.

"How many times will we go through this Ludo?" Her mother asked. "Those are just hallucinations that come with sleep paralysis."

Ludo looked away.

"We have done countless research on this. I'm your doctor, you know. Now go back to sleep."

"But mom."

"Ludo!" She stared at her.

"Do you think I'm cursed?"

"No Ludo."

"I hate this sleep paralysis. On top of that i also have...."

"Shhhhhhh," Ludo's mother cut her.

"You are not cursed; you are just like everyone else. You are special."

"Where is dad?"

"Not back yet."

"But it's 2am?"

"Rest Ludo."

Ludo looked at her mother go as she covered herself with the blankets. It took her sometime to fall asleep. When she finally did, she slept like a baby.

Last day of school. Ludo thought to herself and sighed before opening the school gate. As she walked to the terraces, she thought about how much she endured from the bullying both from her fellow pupils and teachers. Her peers used to say she was strange especially the fascination she had with cars. She was glad high school was coming to an end. She had timed reaching the exam room slightly late so that she could find everyone settled in and concentrated on their examination papers. She reached her examination classroom and before she could knock, said a silent prayer.

"Come in!" Mrs. Visashi yelled from the inside.

Ludo breathed heavily. She looked at herself. She hated her uniform. She never liked the color yellow especially with it's combination with green. She composed herself and entered the classroom.

"Weirdo is here," a young boy whispered.

Everyone laughed.

Ludo looked at the boy and smacked her lips. He wasn't worth it, she thought to herself as she walked to her seat.

"Everybody be quiet! Mrs. Visashi shouted. "Exam in progress."

Ludo looked at Mrs. Visashi and admired her. She envied how she was always in control especially when handling pupils. Ludo wanted to be like her someday but with her condition which everyone knew about, she was made to believe she couldn't amount to anyone, especially Mrs. Visashi.

"Late again?" Mrs. Visashi smiled walking to Ludo.

Ludo nodded.

"Better start writing now," she handed her the exam papers.

Ludo perused through the paper and knew she would ace it. It was her favorite subject, Literature. She was marveled by the nature and scope of literature. She also loved reading.

"Time up, pens down!" Mrs. Visashi shouted.

All the pupils dropped their pens on their tables without hesitation. They knew Mrs. Visashi all too well to act otherwise. After collecting all the papers, she had one final talk with them.

"This society you are going to will be all sorts of things to everyone. Some of you will find it easy and some difficult but all in all, it's all about attitude towards whatever comes your way," She paused and looked at them one by one. "This is where life as adults starts and you have to start making decisions like adults."

"But we are still young," Melanie whispered.

They all laughed.

Mrs. Visashi looked at Melanie who avoided her gaze.

"It's high time you all decide what your life will be especially in terms of careers." Mrs. Visashi Said.

"Madam, talking about careers, i would like to know what Ludo has in mind," Melanie looked at Ludo.

Ludo shook to her core. All eyes were on her and she hated attention.

"Tell us Ludo, what do you want to do after this?" A boy asked.

Knowing Ludo, Mrs. Visashi calmed her down by asking her in a polite way because the class wanted to know.

"I want to be a writer, "Ludo whispered.

"We didn't hear you!" Melanie shouted.

"Don't be shy Ludo," Mrs. Visashi smiled.

She took a deep breath and repeated herself, "I want to be a writer."

It was as if a wave of laughter had tickled everyone. They laughed so hard that Mrs. Visashi's voice couldn't be heard on top of the laughter.

"What can you write weirdo? You are mentally unstable as it is," Melanie laughed.

"She will write about cars," another pupil added.

In that moment of uncontrollable laughter, Ludo became uncomfortable. There and then, she had an aura and her eyes widened. She looked at Mrs. Visashi. Mrs. Visashi knew what was about to happen because she had been put in charge of Ludo at the school.

"Quiet!" She ran to Ludo.

Ludo's eyes were fixed on Mrs. Visashi. Her stomach felt strange, but not the usual strange. The feeling rose to her chest. Her face flushed and before Mrs. Visashi could reach her chair, Ludo fell on the floor hitting her head in the process. All the pupils stood up with their hands covering their mouths in shock. This wasn't new to them but this time, they all knew they had provoked it.

"She's having a seizure, stay back," Mrs. Visashi yelled.

Ludo's eyes had turned white and foam was coming out of her mouth. She was jerking and convulsing. Everybody stood back with the boys moving chairs and tables away from her. They all watched in silence and terror. Melanie was shaking and dropping tears.

"Everybody out!" Mrs. Visashi dismissed them.

They all left for the door looking back at Ludo laying on the floor unconsciously.

"Except you Melanie, stay!"

Ludo found herself on the floor feeling tired and weak. She looked up and saw Mrs. Visashi standing with Melanie.

"What happened?" She asked.

Mrs. Visashi knelt before her and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"My head hurts," Ludo answered. "It happened again right?"

Mrs. Visashi nodded.

"Melanie come here you help me stand her up."

"I don't think i can stand up madam," Ludo said softly.

"Take your time my dear."

"I'm sorry Ludo," Melanie apologized.

Ludo only looked at her.

"You can now leave Melanie," Mrs. Visashi said.

Ludo remained with Mrs. Visashi.

"Have you called my mother?"

"She's on her way."

"I'm sorry madam."

"Don't apologize sweetie. You don't have any control over your seizures."

"This time I had control," Ludo said.

Mrs. Visashi didn't understand what Ludo said.

"I was intimidated by them."

"You shouldn't let people intimidate you. They also have their fears but they don't show them. All those people who bully you only succeed because you let them. Your fear feeds them."

Ludo shrugged.

"You want to be a writer?"

"Yes madam."

"That's an awesome profession," Mrs. Visashi smiled.

"You don't think i can do it?" Ludo looked at Mrs. Visashi.

Mrs. Visashi shifted uneasily.

"I knew you don't believe in me. Nobody does." Ludo said with teary eyes.

Mrs. Visashi smiled and held Ludo's shoulder and sat beside her. "I believe in you but what's important is do you believe in yourself?"

"I do."

"That's what matters. As long as you believe in yourself, everyone's opinions don't matter."

"Do you think so?"

"I know so."

"I have written a lot of short stories which i haven't shown to anyone."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"I would love to read them."

"I'm excited about the new story i thought of."

"What is it about?"

"It's about the most notorious crime family in Zambia."

"That sounds interesting."

"I don't know where the idea came from but each and every day, it grows stronger," Ludo smiled.

Mrs. Visashi never saw Ludo smile frequently but she knew in that moment that writing made Ludo happy. She noticed how Ludo spoke of it.

"Where's my daughter!" Ludo's mother shouted from outside.

"Mom there," Ludo rolled her eyes.

Mrs. Visashi laughed.

Ludo's mother entered the classroom and found Ludo seated on the floor with her teacher.

"Ludo baby how are you?" She asked slowly running to her.

"I'm fine mother."

"Let's go home now," she lifted her up. "Thank you Mrs. Visashi," she looked at her gratefully.

"It's alright Zamiwe," Mrs. Visashi said. "Ludo," she called her.

Ludo looked back.

"I would love to read the story you are working on some day," Mrs. Visashi smiled.

Ludo and her mother walked out of the classroom and went to the car which was parked outside the wall fence. Leaving the school, Ludo knew this was the last time of being there. She had even planned on not coming to get her results. She had it all planned out, her mother would come to get the results.

"I think the medicines are not working," Ludo's mother said after settling in the car.

"You are my doctor," Ludo fastened her seat belt.

"I will have to visit the hospital after dropping you home."

"Is dad back?"

Ludo's mother flinched.

"Don't answer, I know," Ludo leaned her head against the window.

"We still love each other. It's just circumstances."

Ludo didn't look at her mother.

They got home and both went to their bedrooms. Ludo got her seizure journal. She opened it and sighed.

"Here we go again," she said.

After writing in the seizure journal, She thought about her idea of the story and grabbed her MacBook pro and before she could start, her mind went blank.

"Stuck again?" Her mother asked standing at the door.

"I write better when you are around," Ludo said.

"I know but i have to rush to the hospital. Your seizures are worrying me. I'm suspecting your condition is getting worse."

"It's always been worse mother."

Ludo's mother left her in the bedroom. Ludo loved her mother wholeheartedly. Not only was she a mother to her but also a friend whom she could confide in. She even loved her more because ideas would flow whenever her mother was around. The story she was working on was difficult to write without her mother's presence.

Ludo fell asleep on her bed and was awoken by her father's voice. She opened her eyes and he was standing in front of her.

"How are you baby?" He asked.

"I'm fine dad," she yawned.

"I heard you had another seizure."

"Yes but it wasn't that serious."

"All seizures are serious baby. Where is your mother?"

"She has gone to the hospital."

"Okay," he looked at Ludo's laptop. "How is our story coming up?"

"It's difficult to write without mom," Ludo frowned.

He laughed.

"I'm serious dad."

"Well, she will be back. I have bought you something. It's in the car outside."

Ludo ran to the car while her father followed her. She opened the car and found a medium sized box in the front passengers seat. She looked at her father.

"Open it!" He told her.

Ludo opened it and found a brand new laptop in it.

Surprised, Ludo looked at her father once more.

"I know you have another one but that is old," he grinned. "This is for after high school. Congratulations on completing, my baby."

"Thanks dad."

"I'm leaving now; I have work to do."

"But you just got here?"

"I'm coming back in the evening."

"That's what you always say," Ludo said sadly. "And I'm alone."

"Isn't the maid around?" He looked at her and went on. "I'm coming I Promise," he went to his car and drove out of the compound.

Ludo waited for her mother. She came in the evenings when Ludo was having supper. After both eating, they went into the study room and Ludo started typing. In most cases, she dosed off after typing and woke up the following morning amazed at her work.

The months that followed, Ludo couldn't stop writing her story. The more she wrote, the deeper she went into the world she created. She felt like a god because the characters would bend to her will. It was only this time that she felt she had control of something.

"Don't you think you have to start working on other things?" Ludo's father asked during a dinner date they had set up.

"What?" Ludo asked back.

"It's been a year and half ever since you completed school and all you do is work on that book," he sighed. "Writing is a difficult career to venture in."

"I thought you supported me, dad."

"Don't get me wrong I do but I'm worried. You are always indoors. You are growing up and you need to get out there, enjoy the world."

"I'm enjoying my world."

"What is your book all about?"

"Crime fiction."

"Am I supposed to know about that?"

"Ah dad. Where do I even start from?"

Her father looked at her.

"Ok just know that it's about the most notorious family in Zambia."

"Notorious?"

"Yes. The family is the most feared in the country. No one crosses their path. Whoever does, gets killed. On top of that, they have connections everywhere. The police cannot touch them. No one touches them."

"Hmm is that real life?"

"Come on dad, I told you it's crime Fiction."

"Okay. Let me go and order something for us eat."

Ludo looked around the eatery and was upset that her father had to drag her to come. She was against the idea but he insisted. While seated, a car parked just some meters from her. It was a black tinted Chevrolet. From a distance, she couldn't see who was driving because it was getting dark. She was curious because cars fancied her. She played with her phone while peeping at the car. Finally, a very tall bearded gentleman with shades came out of the car. He looked around and closed the door behind him. Ludo didn't care about the man but the car. She watched him enter the eatery.

"Why wearing sunglasses when it's getting dark?" Ludo asked herself and went to the car to take a look.

She was fascinated with the beauty of the car. Lost in the attraction of the car, she didn't hear the thuds from the window. The thuds were getting louder. Ludo heard the sounds and decided to take a look. The windows were tinted and she couldn't get a clear view. Curious, she wanted to walk to the front of the car and take a look through the windshield because it was slightly visible.

"Excuse me!" A husky voice said.

Ludo quickly turned around startled and saw the bearded man.

"What are you doing?" The bearded man asked.

"Nothing," Ludo tried to walk away.

He blocked her.

"I will ask you one more time, what are you doing?"

"I said nothing," Ludo raised her voice and tried to run, then she caught a glimpse of what was inside the Chevrolet. She saw a girl tied and was obviously screaming for help.

The bearded man held her wrist and took off his shades. Ludo couldn't believe the eyes she was met with. The eyes were dark red that the iris was not visible.

"Are you one of them?" The bearded man looked around.

"One of who?"

"Don't play around kid," he said agitated. "I saw you taking photos of my car."

"No I wasn't. Please let me go."

The bearded man's facial expression turned to that of an angry bull. Ludo couldn't take it anymore, her knees went numb and she felt a strong sensation in her head. She looked at where her father had sat and he wasn't back, she knew she was having an episode.

"Please let me...."

She fell on the ground.

The bearded man looked at her expressionless. He stepped backwards while she agitated violently on the ground. He put his shades back on, looked around, got into his car and drove off.

"You see what you have done Joe?" Ludo's mother asked her husband.

"How could I have known Zamiwe?" Joe touched his head. "It was going great, I don't know what happened."

"She told you she didn't want to go but with your arrogance, you had to make her go."

"Is it a crime to go out with my daugther Zamiwe?" Joe's eye brows bumped together in a scowl.

Zamiwe knew better not to irritate her husband. She knew he had the same rights as her when it came to Ludo. Despite their differences, Ludo was for the both of them. They were just both overprotective of her.

"I didn't it mean it that way Joe," Zamiwe answered thoughtful.

"I know she's sick and I care for her. Don't make me look like a bad parent please!" Joe sunk in his chair.

They all became quiet and lost in their thoughts. Ludo's condition had taken a toll on the both of them. Instead of bringing them even more closer, it pushed them apart. They all had different opinions on what treatment she needed and in the end, Zamiwe always had an upper hand because she had practiced Nursing. Joe being a regular businessman was not considered to be the best thinker when it came to Ludo.

"Mom," Ludo emerged from her bedroom.

Joe and Zamiwe both stood up.

"Hey sweetie," Zamiwe walked to her and held her hand while Joe made the seat.

Ludo sat down with a towel in her hand.

"I hurt myself with the fall, my head feels like its about to explode," Ludo complained bitterly.

"What happened?" Joe asked.

"Not now Joe," Zamiwe cut him.

"Why are you always fighting?" Ludo looked at the both of them.

They both stiffened at the question.

"I'm an adult, I know what's been happening with the both of you."

Zamiwe and Joe looked at each other.

"Its not something we cannot handle sweetheart, trust us we will sort it out," Joe answered holding Zamiwe's hand.

Zamiwe looked at him and felt her heart sunk. She loved him but where did they go wrong was the question she asked herself every morning she woke up. He was near but very far away. He no longer confided in her which made it more difficult to confide in him too.

"If you say so dad," Ludo said and went on. "I saw something strange tonight."

"What sweetie?" Joe asked.

"Where did you find me?"

"At the parking square."

"There was a man. He had a beautiful car. Chevrolet i think. I was interested in it and went to check it out. I think there was a girl in the car."

"Maybe it was his girlfriend or wife," Zamiwe said.

"She was tied," Ludo said as if not sure. "Yes she was tied, I now remember."

"Some people who saw you fall said you were in a confrontation with a man, was it him?" Joe inquired.

Ludo thought for a while and answered, "Yes dad. He was scary. His eye..." Ludo curled into a ball in the chair.

Joe noticed she was scared at the thought and changed the subject. Ludo kept thinking about the bearded man and how hideous he was.

Hunter drove into his compound while looking around ensuring no one had followed him. Thinking about what happened earlier made him stiffen a bit. He was not a kind of man to feel sorry for someone but thinking about how the girl fell and started convulsing made him somewhat uncomfortable. He had read about fits but never saw anyone before in action. He didn't have to feel sorry for her, his life was at stake and no one was innocent in his eyes. Every person who got closer to him was an enemy. He drove into his parking space and got out of the car. He stood for a while thinking. He stood still while trying to listen to any movements around his house but there were none. He opened the back door of his Chevrolet.

"Hmmmm, hmmm," the girl in the car mumbled.

"You brought this on yourself Hilary," Hunter said as he carried her on his shoulder.

She tried to shake herself off him but couldn't manage. Hunter was too strong. He had the body of baseball players. He was six feet tall. His arms were big they could hold three people at once. He had a very hideous face with a beard he well took care of.

He went to his backyard which had a one roomed building he called a Carnage. He opened it and dropped Hilary on the floor. She looked around and saw blood everywhere. She looked on the walls and there were stained knives, hooks and machetes hanging. She started crying and mumbling because her mouth was covered.

"Stop it!" He yelled at her.

She went quiet shaking.

"You betrayed me Hillary," he stared at her.

She nodded in disagreement.

"We had an arrangement and you backstabbed me," Hunter paced around.

"Did you think he could marry you?"

She cried.

"That man is a womanizer, everyone knows. But what did you do? You fell into his trap and exposed me. Do you know how long I have worked to bring those people down?"

Hilary kept crying.

"Women! Show them money and they will betray you in a blink of an eye!" Hunter growled. "I call this place a Carnage." He looked around. "I'm sure you have noticed the blood around."

Hilary's eyes burned with hatred and fear.

"This blood is for people like you who have betrayed me," Hunter reached for a machete on the wall. "I'm willing to forgive you if you tell me everything you have told them about me."

Hilary looked at him blankly.

He untied the rope around Hilary's head and removed the cotton he had stuffed in her mouth. She took a deep breath and looked at him defiantly.

"Now talk," he said.

"Hunter Hunter," she laughed. "Do you know you are an idiot?"

Hunter unrelentingly stared at her.

"Let me tell you one thing though. They are coming for you and they are out for blood. No matter what you do, you won't escape their wrath. You have messed with the wrong people my dear hunter."

"They messed with me first," Hunter said. "What did you tell them about me?" Hunter asked furiously.

"Kill me if you want but I will never tell you anything. The months have spent in their circles, I have realized that they are better people than you. Hunter you are an animal," she spat on him.

"Hilary you have left me with no choice."

"Do it you sorry ass of a man," Hilary dared Hunter.

Hunter breathed heavily looking at Hilary on the floor.

"Kill me now Hunter!" She shouted. "If you won't, I'm sure they will find me and kill me."

Hunter raised his machete and swung it in the air while Hilary screamed at him.

"Noooo," her voice faded in the night.

Ludo woke up feeling tired as usual. She had not written anything the previous night because of the episode she had. Her mother insisted that she should rest. She got out of bed and took a shower. She felt her stomach rumble. She was hungry. She went to the kitchen and found her mother and father having breakfast together.

"Wow, this is new," Ludo smiled pulling a chair.

"How did you sleep?" Joe asked her.

"Slept just fine dad," she answered.

"Have you taken your meds," her mother asked.

"Yes mom I did. This is yummy," she tried to reach for pancakes on her mothers plate.

"Bad manners Ludo," her mother looked at her.

"What? I'm so hungry I could eat a cow," she winked.

"Nancy!" Ludo's mother called out to the maid.

Nancy quickly came to the dining, "Yes madam."

"Bring something for Ludo before she eats us alive."

"Ok madam."

"I cannot stop thinking about the bearded man," Ludo said after some silence.

Her parents looked at each other.

"Bearded man?" Zamiwe asked.

"Yes the man I saw last night," Ludo answered.

"Don't think about him, you will probably never meet him again," Joe said assured.

"I hope so," Ludo sipped on her tea.

Whilst eating, they heard a knock on the door. They all looked at each other wondering who it could be.

"Nancy!" Zamiwe called. "Go and check who is at the door."

After a while, Nancy came into the dining room with Mrs. Visashi.

"Madam!" Ludo exclaimed and got up spreading her hands.

They hugged while Joe and Zamiwe looked at them.

"What a surprise!" Ludo said.

Mrs. Visashi let go of her and said hi to Joe and Zamiwe.

"To what do we owe this visit Mrs. Visashi?" Joe asked.

"Enough with the formalities Joe, I'm not at school," she answered.

Joe laughed and went on, "Ok Kate."

"I have come to see my favorite former student."

"Well, let us excuse you both so that you catch up," Zamiwe said getting up looking at Joe.

Mrs Visashi and Ludo sat in the dining room and talked for a while. She had come to check up on Ludo because time had passed ever since she saw her and being concerned about her, she made an effort.

"Tell me you are done with the book," Mrs. Visashi said curiously.

"I'm still figuring out the last chapter," Ludo smiled. "I'm having a conflict on which characters to kill or keep."

"I bet you will figure it out," Mrs. Visashi smiled. "I have to see it. Do you mind?"

"Of course not, follow me," Ludo got up.

They went to Ludo's bedroom. Ludo got her laptop and showed Mrs. Visashi her work. Mrs. Visashi read for some minutes while Ludo looked at her.

"Well what do you think?" Ludo asked.

"This is good Ludo," Mrs. Visashi answered surprised. "Did you write this?"

"Yes," Ludo answered proudly.

"Wow, I'm short of words. Do you ever think of publishing?"

"My mother says I'm not ready."

"This is wasting talent. I know people who can be interested in this."

"Really?"

"Yes. This is too good to be stored in a laptop."

"I will contact one editor I know and see how it goes from there. I love this Ludo," Mrs. Visashi said honestly.

"Thank you madam but you will have to talk to mom before proceeding."

"Zamiwe won't have a problem with you publishing i know," Mrs. Visashi said and went on. "I have to go now," She said standing up. "You will let them know that I have gone."

"Ok madam I will."

"I saw a black car outside, is it your father's?"

Ludo's heart pounded.

"Black car?"

"Yes."

Ludo hurriedly ran outside and opened the gate. She found the car outside their wall fence. Ludo walked to the car carefully trying to see who was in it. It was a black Chevrolet like the one she saw the previous night. Ludo went to the window and knocked. No one was opening.

"What do you want from me?" She screamed circling the car."I know you are in there. I told you I don't know anything, please leave me alone!"

"Hey young girl, what is it?" A woman asked walking to Ludo.

"There's an hideous man in this car!" Ludo pointed at the car.

The woman quickly rushed to the car and opened it. Ludo was surprised.

"Why are you opening the door?" She asked.

"What do you mean why am i opening the door?" The woman asked surprised. "Its my car!"

"No its not."

"Yes it is. I live across the road. I parked here because i was seeing a friend over there," the woman pointed at the house next to Ludo's. "Young lady who are you?"

"You have hidden him, right?"

"Who?"

"The bearded man?"

"I don't know what you are talking about young girl."

Ludo's parents and Mrs. Visashi came running at the two. Joe grabbed Ludo who was refusing to be taken back inside.

"Dad let me go. I have to know what he wants from me!" Ludo screamed.

"I'm sorry madam," Zamiwe apologised to the lady.

"That girl needs help," the woman said.

"Yes we know," Zamiwe said.

"She's a psycho."

Zamiwe felt like her heart had been crashed hearing someone call her daughter a Psycho. She charged at the woman and grabbed her by the hair. She wanted to throw her on the ground when Mrs. Visashi stopped her.

"Stop it Zamiwe, it's not worth it," she held her tightly pulling her back.

"Didn't you hear? This woman called my daughter a Psycho. Who does that?" Zamiwe shouted.

"You are all crazy. Your whole family needs help!" The woman said getting into the car.

"Don't call my child a psycho," Zamiwe pointed at the woman. "Let me go," she shook herself from Mrs. Visashi and ran back inside.

Mrs. Visashi just nodded her head in disappointment.

The woman drove off.

Joe carried Ludo and took her to the bedroom while she kept screaming that the bearded man was in that car. Zamiwe got into the house and rushed to her medkit in the bedroom. She could hear Ludo screaming and shouting. She went to Ludo's bedroom and found Joe had restrained her on the bed.

"Do it," Joe looked at Zamiwe who stood on the door dropping tears.

"I'm sorry sweetie," Zamiwe said injecting Ludo to induce anesthesia.

Zamiwe left the bedroom crying.

"Dad," Ludo called Joe.

"Yes baby."

"Is mother upset with me?"

"No she's not, she's just tired."

"Why did she ran away from me dad?"

Joe stiffened.

"Tell her I'm sorry. I'm just scared."

"Scared of what baby?"

"I can't feel my face, dad," Ludo complained.

"It's the injection baby."

"I hate it dad," She blinked vigorously.

"Tell me, what are you scared of?"

"The bearded man. He was in that car. He's coming for me, I know it," Ludo said faintly while falling asleep.

Hunter checked his time.

11:24.

His flight was at 14:00 hours. He had prepared everything and had packed all his gear. Leaving the country was not on his wishlist but there was nothing he could have done, that was his only way to stay alive. He didn't expect Hilary to betray him like that. Trust for him was a big word but he relied on her. He knew she could deliver but along the way, love happened to her. It was the same love that got her killed. Hunter didn't have any regrets on Hilary's murder. Killing had become a hobby for him.

His phone rang.

He looked at it feeling his heart pound. He answered and remained quiet.

"Hunter!" A man's voice answered on the other end of the line.

Hunter didn't say anything.

"I can feel you breathing and from the looks for it, you are scared Hunter," the man said.

Hunter restrained himself not to say anything.

"Well, let me get to the point," the man paused and coughed. "I know you have Hilary but guess what, you can do anything you want with her, I'm done with her. I got all the information I wanted from her," the man laughed.

Hunter thought about Hilary's last scream.

"A man like you should never trust a woman. Women betray in a blink of an eye. You should know better."

He clenched his fists.

"I would like us to meet one of these days and talk," the man added. "That is if you will still be alive."

He felt a surge of fury.

"I told them to take you out without much difficult and struggle so that you be spared of the pain."

He heard sounds from the outside. He walked to his window and moved the curtains slightly. He saw two men climbing his fence.

"I'm certain you are now aware," the voice on the phone said. "Anyway goodbye Mr Hunter."

Hunter quickly went to his gear bag and opened it. He reached for the gun and then thought to himself that it was daylight. He couldn't use a gun. While debating on what weapon to use, his front door clicked. He knew they had entered. He got his knife and hid behind the door. He stood still behind the door hearing the footsteps which were slowly approaching his bedroom door. From the footsteps, he could discern that it was only one person coming at him.

The door opened. Hunter saw a gun first which the man was holding. Before he could even see his face, Hunter grabbed the gun and hit the man twice with his right elbow on the face. He threw the gun below his bed and whilst the man was still touching his face, Hunter jumped on him and landed on the floor. He clenched his fist so hard and hit the man on the face directly deeming him unconscious.

He heard footsteps running towards where he was. He slowly went back inside the bedroom and locked it. He zipped his gear bag and carried it. He went to his window, opened it and got out from it. He ran to the front door and locked it from the outside. He went behind the house and got his car and drove it out of his compound seeing the other man looking at him from the window banging it. He knew he would never shoot because it was daylight and that would have attracted unnecessary attention. Hunter didn't want to kill those two. His intentions were to send a message to the man on the phone. He drove to the airport. Upon arrival, he knew it would take a miracle to bring him back to Zambia. He was going to his usual hideout in Madagascar.

Mrs. Visashi sat across her husband, Mr. Visashi on a table in his office. They were all quiet avoiding each others eyes. Mr. Visashi tried to make himself busy because he was feeling her thoughts and from time to time, saw her evil stare.

"You heard me Kent!" She broke the silence.

"I did," Kent sighed.

"So what are you going to do about it?" She asked him.

Kent sighed, "my hands are tied. I have so many upcoming and published writers on my back. I cannot squeeze in her work. She's not even done with her novel."

"I read a part of it, trust me its good. I know good when I see good," Kate said confidently.

"There is a process we follow Kate," Kent paused and looked at her. "Just because you like her doesn't mean she's all that good."

"What are you saying Kent?" Kate raised her eyebrows.

Kent shifted uneasily.

"I'm saying let us give her time. She's still young. Let her perfect her craft and we can talk about her work in two or three years."

"Impossible!" Kate raised her voice. "If you only saw what I saw, you wouldn't be saying all this. I thought your work was to assist people like Ludo to fulfill their dreams."

"It is."

"But why can't you?"

"I'm tied Kate."

"Whatever!" She stood up and headed for the door.

Kent knew better not to let her go out of his sight angry. He stood up and before she could reach the door, he stopped her by holding her hand and closed the door.

"What?" She asked him.

"Sit down."

She rolled her eyes as she grabbed the chair.

Kent took a deep breathe while tucking his shirt properly and sat down.

"What you're asking me is too big Kate," he said after much thought.

"I couldn't be asking you for something you cannot manage to do Kent."

"I know."

"But?"

"Nothing," he gulped. "You will have to tell her to bring her work here so that I can take a look at it."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Aww my Kent, you're such a darling."

"I'm not promising anything though."

"Fair enough," Kate got up and went to her husband and kissed him goodbye.

She got outside Bookworld publishing company happy. She got her phone and dialed Ludo's number.

"Hello Mrs. Visashi," Ludo answered.

"Hi dear how are you?"

"I'm fine. Sorry about what happened four days ago," Ludo laughed.

Kate laughed too.

"Its fine my dear. Have you started working on the final chapter of your book?"

"Yes i have."

"That's good. So I have good news."

"What is it Mrs. Visashi?"

"My husband is an editor for Bookworld Publishers and I talked to him about your Novel and he said he would be more than glad to check it out."

"You're kidding!"

"No I'm not dear."

Ludo screamed joyfully.

"Sorry about that," she giggled.

"I will text you the address and his number. You should go there and pitch him your work. Is that okay?"

"Yes it is," Ludo said sadly.

Kate recognised the sadness in Ludo's voice.

"What is it?"

"What if he doesn't like it?"

"He will, trust me. I didn't even tell about the genre because I want it to be a surprise to him."

"I will go there. I have to talk to mom first."

"Okay dear take care now!"

Ludo hung up her cellphone and sighed.

"Talk to me about what?" Her mother entered the bedroom.

"You were eavesdropping mom?" Ludo asked surprised.

"No I was coming to call you for lunch and heard that you will have to talk to me first. What is it? Who were you talking to?"

"It was Mrs. Visashi mom."

"Ohhh. How is she?"

"Good."

"What were two talking about?"

"Apparently, she thinks my novel is worth publishing."

"You showed her?" Ludo's mother asked surprised.

"Yes mom. She was interested in it."

"I thought we agreed we would self publish it."

"Yes I know but wouldn't self publishing be expensive mother?"

Ludo's mother nodded.

"You see? Let us try out Mrs. Visashi's husband."

"Its her husband?"

"Yes. He is the editor at Bookworld publishing company."

"That's huge."

"I know, right?"

"But you are yet to finish the last Chapter."

"Its just the last chapter, we have to finish it tonight mom."

"Tonight?"

"Yes. You have plans?"

"Not really but I thought tonight was movie night."

"We can postpone mom."

"Ok sweetie."

Ludo and her mother worked on the novel the whole night. By the time it was 3am, they were convinced it was done.

"Are you really sure this is the ending you wanted?" Ludo's mother asked her.

"I'm sure yeah," Ludo answered with a smile.

"Ok take it tomorrow."

"Have you drafted the synopsis?"

"Yes I have."

"Good. Have some rest, you have a big day tomorrow."

"Goodnight mom."

"Goodnight sweetie."

"Wait mom. Dad?"

"He called me saying his traveled."

"He didn't tell me."

"I'm sure he will call you this morning."

"Ok mom."

As Ludo walked to the gate of BookWorld publishers, she felt her heart racing. She started doubting herself if what she had written was good enough. She wanted to go back but comforted herself that it was going to be fine. She reached Mr. Visashi's office and found a secretary.

"How can I help you young lady?" The secretary asked with a smile.

"I'm here to see Mr. Visashi," Ludo answered.

"You have an appointment with him?"

"Yes."

The secretary got her receiver and dialed. Ludo watched her talk while she admired the office.

"You can go in dear."

Ludo went in and found Mr. Visashi sitted comfortably on his chair. He pointed her to a chair.

"You must be Ludo?" He stared at her.

Ludo couldn't feel her legs as she sat down. She was nervous.

"Yes sir."

"Ok I'm going to give you one chance to lure me into the world you have created. My wife talked highly of it."

"What do you mean Lure you sir?"

"You have the synopsis?"

"Yes sir," Ludo opened her laptop bag and got a piece of paper and wanted to hand it to Mr. Visashi.

"No. Keep it for now."

Ludo was surprised.

"Where is the manuscript?"

"Its in the bag sir."

"Ok, tell me about your story. What genre is it?"

"Crime fiction."

Mr. Visashi's face brightened. It had been a while ever since a writer had come who was in the genre of crime fiction.

"What is it about?"

"Its about a family who are involved in every sort of crime imaginable. Their crime activities are run by their mother."

Mr. Visashi's curiousity grew even more.

"I have given names to my main characters. For example, the mom is referred as a Lioness. The first born is Brawler and his brother is Brains while the last born is Jezebel," Ludo smiled.

"I see."

"And their father is wheelchair ridden. He is the Wounded Lion. He has stroke."

Mr. Visashi smiled and said, "I hope the work is as good as what you have told me."

"It is sir," she smiled.

"Ok hand it to me. I will get back to you. Let me have my people look at it. Don't worry I will give you an honest opinion of your work."

"Thank you," Ludo left.

Later that evening, Mr. Visashi was having a drink with one of his friends and mostly they would talk about work and other things. He got interested with Ludo's work but was only worried if she was ready enough to get published. His wife told him about her condition and got really concerned.

"What is bothering you my friend?" Obrien asked Kent.

"A girl brought a manuscript today and I think she's destined for greatness. I'm just worried about her condition," Kent answered.

"If she's good don't worry about her condition. How good is her work?"

"Very good. My people said they are enjoying it."

"Really?"

"Yes man," Kent sipped on his pint.

"What is it about?"

Kent told Obrien about Ludo's storyline. He told him everything she had told him amd he was equally astonished.

"It's good i tell you. My wife has an eye for good things," Kent smiled.

"Unfortunately not when it came to you," Obriene laughed.

"You fool."

"Let me grab some more beers," Obriene stood up.

Kent remained and texted his wife that he was going to come a little bit late than usual.

"Excuse me," a man touched Kent's shoulder.

Kent turned around and didn't seem to know the man.

"How can i help you?"

"I couldn't help it but hear you talking about a story."

"Ohh yea. A girl brought in a story that we are currently working on."

"Did you mention something like Brawler, Brains and Jezebel?"

"Yes, you are great listener," Kent was surprised.

"Those names you mentioned exist," the man looked around as if scared.

"Yes they exist in Ludo's story."

"No! Not in the story."

Kent looked at the man.

"Those are real people."

"Are you drank?"

"I'm having orange juice," the man showed Kent his glass. "The names you mentioned are nick names of the infamous crime lords of our City. Brawler and Brains are twins."

"You are kidding right?"

"How i wish i was man. Your girl Ludo is getting herself into trouble," the man said assured. "Did they do something to her?"

Kent's heartbeat raced. He remembered she told him it's crime Fiction.

"If i were you. I would stop talking about those names because people who do don't live to tell a tale. Look at those guys over there," the man pointed at a group of guys sitted looking at them.

Kent tilted his neck.

"They also heard you talk about the trio."

"It's a story," Kent said shaking.

"Don't tell me i didn't warn you," The man stood up and left the club.

Kent was panting heavily. Obriene came back and asked what was wrong with him. Kent looked around the club and felt that all eyes were on him.

"I have to go," he got up and ran to his car.

Ludo couldn't stop smiling about the progress she was making. She felt at peace knowing that she was trying something different. At least she would prove her father that all the time she spent writing was not a waste. She looked at the photo of her parents on her table and smiled. She touched it and said, "Goodnight my people, i hope you work things out." She closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.