Chapter One

 

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Chapter One

I hit Lusaka at midnight.All the twinkling lights seemed to welcome me to the city. The truck driver who called himself uncle Sam pointed his thumb at the fly-blown windshield and pointed out to me the places of interest as we rode along. " See that shiny bright place? that's Radison blue hotel, that's where all the big-shots hang out." i peeredbeyond the trucks nose and nodded my head in agreement. " where should i drop you off son?" he said as he spat out the window. when i didn't answer he answered as if sensing my doubt. " i see it's your first time in the big city ain't it?" i nodded my head with indignation. " here's a word of advise,if your village playmates told you,Lusaka is a place with money scattered all over,you have another thing coming. look at me?" i stared at him and held his beady gaze." I've been a trucker twenty five long years and I've never smelt success.Sure i'm an optimistic guy or i'ld have cracked up and tried my luck with crime.but crime doesn't pay son,my old man was the first bank robber this country here has ever seen. He could have got away with all that money if his greed hadn't got the best of him. Look where he is now, in a stinky hole resting when he should have been alive" a tear rolled down his chunky face. He quickly wiped it off with his oil stained brow. " I just hope you stay away from crime and everything it promises"

Soon we stopped at a red light. " You see that big looking place there" he said,jerking his thumb right." that what folks around here call manda hill. Its a fun place hang around but you gotta have the money for it" i gazed lazily around the cabin. The hemp was just wearing off, giving me an all time low. Soon we left the lights and drove on through the night. A rotten smell began to fell my nostrils. Out of curiosity i asked. " what's that awl-full smell?" the trucker jerked his head and looked at me." i have a consignment of fish in my trailer,darn it must be going bad on me." i've always being a curious feller so i asked. " how far are you suppose to take em?" he drove on without giving an answer to my question. As we went up a steep over-pass the truck began to shudder. i could see the latter effortless pressing on the pedals but the needle gradually fell. I heard Sam curse under his breath." I wonder what's wrong with her now. i sure hope it aint gas trouble" The truck gradually rolled back, invoking honks and four letter words from the other motorists.

Soon Sam stepped down and opened the bonnet,immediately trapped steam escaped creating grey smog around the truck. He came back searched his seat for a toolbox before returning. I waited and admired the scenery while he worked. Soon he was done and starting her up. At first the engine chocked and spat back. He tried two more times before it buzzed and came to life like a hive of hungry hornets. he closed the door behind him. soon we were back on the road. " she was just clogged that's all" we went around a roundabout and navigated through the city. " welcome to lusaka" he shouted to be heard above the roaring engine. " thank you" i shouted back. Soon we stopped in front of a large building,where he parked his truck and came out. " Come with me son,lets paint the town red" i followed him into what looked like a beer hall,not like the ones back home of course.

" Give me and my companion here two eagle lagers" he said while slapping me hard on the back. The bartender shot me a curious look and served us the beers.we went to a table hidden deeply in the shadows and sat down. i opened my bottle and began wetting my tonsils. Soon we were joined by female company. the girls introduced themselves as Fredah and Eniah. we got acquainted and ordered more beers. we drunk as the night went by.

" You guys should come spend a night with us" one of the girls said. i was soo drunk i couldn't tell them apart. there was no semblance between them,but like i said earlier i was soo drunk i just couldn't. Uncle sam cut them short. " How much will it cost us?" I was surprised he asked about money. As if sensing my doubt,he said. " These are ladies of the night my friend, no one rides them for free" he laughed a shrill laugh that resonated in my mind. " not to worry my dear boy, its the way of a trucker" After the beers we followed the girls home. which was just a stones throw away for we got there under five minutes. The stars were slowly fading as the night turned to mourning.

Inside the house were ordered to shade our clothes. i did as told. what happened next his non your business. as i was getting dressed the girl tagged at my trouser." My money please" i looked around and searched for my companion but he was no where to be seen. " lets go check for the truck i left my money in a holdall bag" the girls followed me out.

we reached the bar and checked the parking lot. The truck had gone too. i felt a tight band tighten around my throat as the women called again." Mr i'm not santa clause to give away free screws." i just stood on the curb and looked at the empty parking lot. So i was taken for a ride,literally!. i Felt a big hand grip my shoulder i. turned and faced my encounter. He looked mean and hard-boiled. I smiled meekly and felt my heart quicken its pace. I had a premonition this wasnt going to be a happy ever after. *The End*

It was a little after eighteen when

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