CHAPTER 3
A screeching sound emanating from the tyres of another troops of security vehicles and sirens were heard indistinctly approaching toward the scene of the robbery. This new development took the gang unawares as they thought their mission was already accomplished, hence, they failed to envision the possibility of more police personnel, men of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS), and Mopol arriving the scenario in unison. The robbers became alert as they began disembarking while carrying the bags of money as they made away. Preacher knew immediately that their cover had been blown, that way he decided to transfer his aggression on the innocent lady lying flat before him, as he wanted blowing off her head, then a stray bullet came from afar and hit him on his left chest, exactly on the spot where the heart is located. Then, he fell to the ground bleeding profusely and died a slow death.
Not long afterwards, Jude came out from hiding and began leading the Gang to their escape, but then, he forgot to mask his face, but when he remembered to do so, it was too late as the security camera situated at the bank had already captured his face. Apparently, Jude had been on top the branch of a huge mango tree from the outskirts of the bank area, thereby, observing everything happening with his ‘Sniper-Lens’ gun from the very beginning. He was responsible for the death of his partner-in-crime, Preacher, who was eventually killed by the one person he hated the most, and the most pathetic thing about him dying was that he died not knowing the cause of his death. Perhaps, now, he could greet the Devil himself.
The Bank Manager had earlier put a distress phone call to secret agents who later informed the police and other agents of social control just before Preacher had gone inside the Manager’s office. These security operatives were shooting the Gang members back to back as they fled the environ, but before they could get to them, they had technically mounted the two white Hilux vehicles that they came with and started zooming off; This time, a bullet was shot at one of the Gang members who fell out of the SUV, and was apprehended before he could escape. Although, he wasn’t dead but was badly injured.
The robbers drove as fast as they could but the security men gave them a hot chase. Seeing that they could get caught by these security officials, they reached a market area and began spraying bundles of Naira notes on the floor, in thousands, and in order to escape being caught. Their plan magically worked as Market women, Children and also buyers rushed in their numbers and started picking the Nigerian currency on the floor, while some fell inside the gutter filled with mud and dirty water. This eventually made it possible for the robbers to evade arrest as the security operatives were blocked from performing their duty.
The Gang of robbers finally escaped through water by crossing the local river, but not after setting the two Hilux SUV’s on fire in a bid to destroy any evidence or trace.
Alas! After the whole drama had unfolded. Over fifty persons were killed on that Monday morning in an attack that lasted about half an hour. The only victim survivor from the Bank was the fair-in-completion lady who also barely escaped death.
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3:00p.m.
Silence had suddenly taken over the auditorium. The remaining nine members of the gang were strategically seated while waiting on the arrival of the overall general. The five bags of money stolen were kept at the alter, and just about then, the General stepped out from his office while walking majestically to the bags of money with his footsteps echoing loudly. He walked toward the filled bags of money, opened it and then heaved a smile.
“Glory be to God Almighty!” He muttered and clapped. “Welldone my Sons and Daughters. Today, you’ve once again proven yourself to be the true children of your father.” The General added.
The General was the overall leader of the Gang. He was a fairly aged man who was in his early 60s, A priest and the founder (General Overseer) of a mega Pentecostal church named St. Clement Believers’ Church in Warri, Delta State. He was also the spiritual father who always pray and blesses them before they embark on any robbery operation.
“My Children, why are you people not saying anything?, What is the problem?” He enquired asking nobody in particular; yet, silence replied.
“J3, I command you to speak now!” He shouted slightly raising his voice, while referring to Jude, the second-in-command whose nickname was J3.
“Father, it is with a heavy heart that I’m sad to announce to you that though, we succeeded in this operation, but we lost our brother Preacher, who was killed today, and Stone who’s currently in Police custody.” Jude slowly raised his head up and said.
“Hmmm… Is that all?” The General asked, but before Jude could respond, Small cuts in.
“Preacher would’ve been alive now if it wasn’t for you. You didn’t show up when the team needed you the most.” Small fired.
“Will you shut up your mouth! Was I not also there to lead you guys to safety at last.” Jude retorted trying to defend himself.
Truth is, they probably wouldn’t have lost any life supposing Preacher wasn’t hell-bent on spilling unnecessary blood when they were supposed to escape.
“Enough! This is not the time to put the blame on anyone. The deed had already been done.” The General resolved and went further to speak. “And what about Stone, what happened to him?” He asked.
“He was shot and then fell out from the vehicle when we were escaping.” Jude replied, albeit, with a faint tone.
“I’m glad that the rest of you are alive, hale and hearty. Now that two of our men are dead, be prepared for the initiation rites of two new members. As you already know, it is our tradition that once a brethren transit, another is installed in order to balance the lineage of this brotherhood. We are, The Twelve Disciples!” The General blurted amid evil laughter.
“Yes, Your Lordship!” The Gang members replied in togetherness, and bowed their head before General, the High Priest.
“But Father, we’re not certain yet whether Stone is dead or not” Margaret said.
“Well, consider him dead tonight!” The General said and then Margaret stared at her boyfriend Jude with disbelief but ‘J3’ pretended not to notice her.
Margaret, also dubbed ‘Maggi’ was the first out of the two female to be initiated into the Gang. She was the official girlfriend of Jude, the second-in-command, but also the ceremonial Booty-call to every other male in the Gang.
Their tradition also demanded that they do not keep a close relationship with anybody other than themselves, so that their secret doesn’t get revealed to an outsider, hence, they were forbidden to have girlfriends/boyfriends except making out with persons without any feelings attached.
After all was said and done, the General announced to the Gang that they would be hosted to a wonderful treat in celebration of their success and bravery towards the operation, he also assured them that the money realized would be shared judiciously according to their rank and advised them to start thinking of what to do with their various share of the money, because they may not need to go back to robbery anytime soon, as the money realized was enough to cater for their needs for the time being. They were instantly reeled with joy whilst chanting various jubilation songs of victory.
It was only a matter of time before reality would begin to pass its judgement on them. Karma they say is a B..I.T.C..H; It spares no one caught in the act of evil, and the evil that men do, lives after them…
*TO BE CONTINUED
Exactly, karma