CHAPTER THREE
Giant Afrika is the nation's most populous and largest firm. The company has a large number of staff and is the most flourishing in the nation with a high gross profit per annum. The brain behind the company's rise to the top is Godwin Okafor. He lives and breathes the company and gave all he had to ensure it gets to the top and to him that was a laudable accomplishment that is worth a life legacy.
Godwin has always wanted his brother to be by his side and share in the success story but his brother had a different perspective which was driven by his resent towards his older brother for being too successful in life and puts him a position where he can't measure up to his standard.
To Desmond, his dream has been to oversee the gigantic Giant Afrika and to covet all that belongs to his brother without having to play loyalist to him.
His brother had turned down his demands several times for him to be appointed into top position. Godwin knew how crafty he was and at same time didn't want to give him what he doesn't deserve for the safety of the legacy he spent his life building. Not bending to Desmond persistent pressure and demands even made his brother hate and detest him the more.
He couldn't bear it and out of sympathy he appointed his brother as Sales Manager. He saw his brother's skill as an advantage to utilize in order to uplift the company and so making him oversee the sales department will be a great investment but unknown to him that was the greatest decision he made that he'll live to regret. Meanwhile, Desmond kept his feelings under the rug and played along by never ceasing to show his brother how grateful he is.
Abubarkar's economic prowess kept on sending a loud message across all spheres and that was how Desmond saw an opportunity to become who he has always dreamt to be. He didn't waste time in seizing the opportunity to pay Abubarkar a visit in his office.
"Hi, Good morning"
"Good morning Sir, you are welcome to iXpress megaminds, how can I be of help to you please?" Sarah Williams responded with a warm smile plastered on her face that's worthy of winning the Oscar's for toothpaste ad.
"My name is Desmond Okafor, sales manager of the of the prestigious Giant Afrika and I'm here to see Mr. Abubarkar Mohammed "
"Oh that's great! You're welcome Mr. Okafor, please do you have any appointment booked yet?"
"No I don't, besides you can call me Desmond please. Just tell him I'm here to see him, he will understand " Desmond replied calmly.
"Alright. I'll do that right away"
"Thank you". Desmond replied.
Sarah Williams dialed the telephone on her desk and waited briefly for the tone to ring. Abubarkar's line connected and Sarah proceeded to pass the information to him.
"Please Sir, a man by name Desmond Okafor, sales manager of Giant Afrika called in to see you."
Ahhahah! Abubarkar exclaimed. "Giant Afrika! Of course, send him in. I've been looking forward to strike a partnership with them." Abubarkar concluded and hung up the call full of smiles. He was impressed that Giant Afrika is after his service after his several failed attempts to get them collaborate with him.
Desmond walked in with a great sense of pride and was given a warm reception by his host.
"You are welcome Mr. Okafor"
Desmond smiled and said "it's Desmond please, thank you very much."
"My bad! Please you may sit, what should I offer you, coffee or tea?"
"Coffee please " Desmond replied.
Abubarkar stood up and walked to the water dispenser, rinsed the glass with water and poured hot water before mixing the coffee.
"Do you mind if I add sugar?" Abubarkar asked.
"No please, I love it in its original taste" Desmond replied.
In a couple of minutes the coffee was ready and Abubarkar served him before proceeding to ask what brought him to his office.
Desmond did not mince words and stated clearly the purpose of his visit. He also opened Abubarkar's eyes to see how much he can acquire coupled with his massive rise economically.
He loved Desmond's perspectives and how he was able to clearly convey his thought. His doubt will be the practicality of the plans Desmond has laid before him and it will be difficult to buy Giant Afrika as Desmond suggested since it is not a publicly trading company and in all of tbis, he wondered what lies in for Desmond to gain.
"So tell me how you can benefit from all of this and how possible do you think your brother will let go of his legacy" Abubarkar asked.
Desmond laughed hysterically and went on to calm his fears. "Don't worry I've laid down plans already. All you need to do is to buy the major shares when we go public and to make our plan a success, we need more persons to join us as well." Desmond replied.
"I will think about it" Abubarkar replied.
That was how the meeting ended, they exchanged cards and few days later Abubarkar called and showed his interest to execute the plan. He couldn't resist the tempting offer and that was how the Pentarchs Circle came alive.
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Godwin and Desmond were born into nothing. Their father had struggled to make ends meet. In spite of how difficult life was for him, he ensured he gave his two sons the best he could afford. Desmond has always been discontented about his position as the second child. He felt his father loved his older brother the more and paid him more attention.
Their father was diagnosed of heart disease and later died due to their inability to afford his treatment payment. It was a painful one for them to bear and that was the turning point in the lives of the two young men. They decided to stand against all odds in life and to make something out of their life, in order to honour their father for his efforts.
Godwin enrolled in business school and with his academic success he started to his own company and gradually it grew to what is now known as Giant Afrika.
He made a commitment to give his children the best in life and didn't waste time in telling his lawyer to will his fortunes to his son, Chike if anything happens to him by chance.
Godwin's only regret in life was keeping a mistress, even though he was content living happily with his family. When she accidentally conceived, he couldn't bring himself to tell his wife about the child he had with another woman. His fear was that it would lead to chaos in his home. Instead, he decided to buy an apartment far from his house for the woman and his son, ensuring they had everything they needed. He kept it a secret until he decided to open up to his son, Chike, seventeen years later.
Godwin and his wife had been married for three years without a child. During one of his official trips to close a deal with a client, his attorney, Stephen Harris, had brought a lady along without informing him. Stephen knew his client to be a strict family man who loved his wife but still decided to bring a lady for him that night to celebrate after the deal was closed. "After all, body no be firewood," he remarked cynically.
Godwin didn't like the idea of seeing another woman who wasn't his wife; however, he didn't oppose the card his attorney was playing, and he ended up regretting it deeply.
A few months later, Harris received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced herself as Yara. The name didn't ring a bell until she reminded him of the night they met. She then broke the news that she was pregnant and had decided to keep the baby. Harris tried to pressure her into terminating the pregnancy, but she refused. When he saw she wouldn't compromise, he tried another trick, claiming that his client wasn't responsible for the pregnancy since she had been with other men after that night. But Yara remained unmoved and insisted that the baby she carried belonged to Godwin.
Mr. Harris didn't know how to tell his friend, especially since Godwin's marriage wasn't going well and he didn't want the incident to ruin his home, particularly because it had all been his idea. Eventually, he decided to take the bull by the horns and told Godwin the truth.
To be certain the child was his, Godwin insisted on several tests after Yara conceived, and true to her words, the child was indeed his. On his attorney's suggestion, he bought them an apartment to live in and visited as often as he could, while keeping everything a secret from his wife and brother.
Yara was allowed to live her life as she pleased, but she was to raise the child properly. Through his attorney, Godwin regularly sent her money for their upkeep. The thought of Yara and his son served as a daily reminder of his infidelity, and the guilt haunted him constantly.
Four years later, his wife gave birth to a son, and they named him Chike.
When Chike turned thirteen, his father drove him to the house where his half-brother lived, on the condition that he would keep the visit a secret from his mother. He explained everything that had happened and the reasons behind his decisions.
Yara was shocked to see Godwin visit that morning with his son. Godwin explained his reason and emphasized his desire for the two boys to bond and grow together.
When the two boys met, Godwin introduced them to each other.
"Hi Edwin, this is your younger brother Chike. And Chike, please meet Edwin, your big brother."
The boys wasted no time getting along. They became fond of each other, and Chike continued to visit Edwin often. Godwin ensured they had everything they needed to become better men, capable of carrying on his legacy and finding their own paths in life.
Three years had passed since the Pentarchs was formed. They usually met at Safe Haven Hotel & Suites to discuss their plans and new innovations. Due to their level of influence, they had unrestricted access, and the manager provided them with a VIP room devoid of cameras for their meetings.
Abubarkar's main concern was his acquisition of Giant Afrika, as Desmond's plans hadn't yet come to fruition, and he wondered if the latter was truly capable of pulling it off.
Desmond reassured him that the plan would soon work out and revealed that he was about to activate his alternate strategy, one that would lead Giant Afrika into a financial crisis. At that point, his brother would have no choice but to agree to take the company public to attract investors. That would open the door for the Pentarchs to purchase large portions of shares. While his brother struggled to stabilize the company, they would buy off members of the board and move a motion for a vote of no confidence in Godwin, effectively removing him as CEO. Then, Desmond would take over, while Abubarkar would revel in his new influence over Giant Afrika.
The idea was perfect, and the others applauded Desmond's sharp mind.
"What if your brother refuses to sign the IPO documents?" Adedayo asked.
"He will and he must. Whether by choice or by coercion," Desmond replied with a mild laugh.
"What happens to him when this all pulls through? Do you think he'll just sit at home and sulk?" Paul cut in.
Desmond laughed out loud. "Don't worry about that. Everything is outlined in my plans. He won't have time to sulk because Striker will take care of him."
Desmond laughed out loud. "Don't worry about that. Everything is outlined in my plans. He won't have time to sulk because Striker will take care of him."
Godwin and his team worked tirelessly to negate the financial crisis facing the company, but all efforts proved abortive. The loss they experienced in a deal procured by the sales department under Desmond's instructions was huge and irreversible. It hit them hard, and Godwin refused the idea of taking up huge loans, knowing it would only yield temporary relief and negatively affect the company's gross profit in the long run.
The suggestion proffered by Desmond seemed to be the only viable option. It was a welcomed idea, yet Godwin wasn't comfortable going along with it. The management was unable to meet salary obligations, and some staff were laid off. The financial issues worsened and began to affect staff performance, leading to a downturn in productivity. Godwin discussed the idea with his attorney, who saw no harm in taking the company public.
Stephen Harris assured his friend that everything would go well, saying the risk of losing the company though frightening, was worth taking.
After the IPO documents were signed, Giant Afrika went public. Interested investors such as Abubarkar and Paul bought large shares, giving the Pentarchs significant control over the Board of Directors.
Desmond, seeing that his plans were now in motion, proposed a vote of no confidence in the CEO, citing the recent financial crisis as evidence of Godwin's inability to lead the company to success. Abubarkar, who controlled 49% of the company's shares, also insisted on appointing someone more capable to lead the company's affairs.
Desmond argued that laying off staff and delaying salary payments were not the right measures to take in a crisis of that magnitude, and that his brother would likely repeat the same mistakes if a similar situation arose in the future.
To the staff, Godwin had been a great leader who inspired them to be their best. However, Desmond's points could not be easily dismissed, especially with the growing discontent among employees unhappy with Godwin's approach.
Desmond had successfully won the hearts of the employees, as he personally attended to their needs during the tough season. They had grown fond of him and saw him as a compassionate leader.
Sensing the looming danger, Godwin warned Stephen Harris about it. Stephen did everything he could but couldn't save his friend from losing his position as CEO. He blamed himself for not including a clause in the IPO agreement that could annul any board decision to remove his client as CEO, he had thought such a scenario would never arise.
Godwin was shocked to the marrow. He couldn't believe that his own brother would steal the company from him, even though he had always known Desmond to be witty and cunning.
When the vote was cast, the board voted in favor of Desmond. The vote of no confidence passed, and Desmond emerged as the new Chief Executive Officer, winning by a margin of 73% to Godwin's 27%.
Godwin was forlorn and had to leave. He refused to take any administrative position offered to him and walked away to find solace amid the chaos and turbulence. His intention was to take a break, regroup, and return to fight for what rightfully belonged to him, despite all odds.
A few months later, Godwin and his family sat down for dinner one evening alongside his attorney. His face had grown pale from constant worry about the company and how to recover it from his brother and the board. He had lost weight from overthinking and sleepless nights. He barely ate, and nothing seemed to interest him anymore.
Stephen stayed by his friend's side to ensure he didn't do anything rash. He had decided to visit Godwin that evening and joined the family for dinner. His intentional lighthearted jokes helped lift the mood.
While they ate, Chike spent most of the time on his phone much to his father's displeasure. Godwin initially ignored him but soon lost patience and decided to speak up.
Meanwhile, Desmond drove in with the Nightmen, and at the sound of the car horn waiting for the gate to be opened, Stephen asked his friend if he was expecting any visitors. Godwin replied in the negative.
Godwin glanced through the window and saw his brother's car making its way into the compound. Desmond gently parked, alighted, and walked to the door to ring the bell.
The security officer was oblivious to what was happening; the partners of his boss's brother were all dressed in suits, and he did not suspect anything amiss that might give away their identities.
"What does he want this time around?" Godwin muttered to himself. Turning to look at Stephen, he didn't know when he had painfully said that his brother had come to mock him.
Chike had left the dining room for his room after his father scolded him for using his phone while eating. He was still in his room when the doorbell rang. His mother went to check the guest, and when she opened the door she saw her brother-in-law smiling broadly. She was stunned and immediately lost in thought.
"Can I come in, please?" Desmond asked.
"Yes, please," she replied, and then told him that her husband was inside with Stephen Harris.
Desmond gave a cheeky smile and thought to himself, Mr. Harris is a good man, but it's unfortunate that he walked to his death by himself. Perhaps he was destined to die with his client.
His thoughts were interrupted by his brother's voice, which barked, "What do you want that brought you to my home?"
"Stay calm, brother. The company is doing well, and we are family after all. Is it a crime to see my beloved brother?" Desmond replied mockingly.
"I do not want to set eyes on you. There is no place for you here, and today should be the last time you ever step into my house," Godwin fired back.
"Well, I have no grudges against you. I do agree with you about not seeing you again, but I disagree that today will be the last time I step into this house," Desmond responded and stormed out.
Godwin stared at his wife, then shifted his focus to Stephen and back to the door, still trying to process his brother's words.
He was still in that state when unknown men in suits barged into the house and produced weapons from the briefcases they carried.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my..." Godwin didn't finish the sentence before a bullet sank into his forehead.
His wife and his attorney were also shot.
"Hello, boss, it is done!" one of the men reported.
"Well done! Search the rooms. His son should be in one of them, do not let him escape."
When Chike heard the gunshots, he ran toward the living room to see what was happening and caught sight of the men. In shock, he hid and watched. A few minutes later, he saw his uncle enter the room.
He tried calling the security officer at the gate to inform him of what was happening, but his line wasn't connecting.
"Sir, we have checked all the rooms and we haven't found the boy yet," one of the men reported.
"Look again. He must not escape," Desmond barked.
When their search yielded nothing, Desmond decided to lure Chike out by calling his name.
"Chike, I can see you. Just come out and no harm will come to you. But if you act stubborn, you will have to join your parents. There is nowhere for you to run. Step out, and we'll end this foolish hide-and-seek. The world is cruel, and you can't survive on your own. I promise to take good care of you and make you ten times better than your father."
A sound from the kitchen gave Chike away: he jumped through the window. He made sure to trigger the panic button before escaping.
He ran to the guardhouse and discovered that the security officer had also been shot. With no other option, he fled the house and headed to Edwin's.
The triggered alarm created havoc for Desmond and the Nightmen as they hurriedly cleaned their fingerprints and any other evidence that might identify them.
They gave up the search for Chike and drove away before the police arrived.
Chike later told Yara and Edwin the horrific events that had just taken place. He also assured them that his uncle and the men who came with him didn't know where he was, and that he himself was not aware of Edwin's existence before that day.
Chike wanted to report the murders to the police, but Edwin refused, claiming he had no evidence that would pin the killings on their uncle and that going to the police would only expose him to danger.
The young men, helpless and in pain, vowed to seek revenge on everyone who played a role in their father's death.
News of the deaths of Godwin, his wife, and his attorney spread across media outlets, and Godwin's only surviving son, Chike, was declared missing.
In spite of the fear gripping citizens, the Pentarchs still met at Safe Haven Hotel to celebrate their new accomplishments.
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Paul Effiong had just met with his younger brother at Sandbay Resort in a secret arrangement. After his brother left, Paul grew gloomy; fear was written all over his face.
The shocking revelation his brother had shared overwhelmed him and chilled his bones. Peering at the photo of the man on his phone screen, he could see hatred, vengeance, grief, anger, and an uncommon evil and much more.
He could not bear the weight of the intel alone. He placed a call to Desmond and told him everything his brother had just revealed.
He had just learned the truth about the Embassy and Agent Shadow, who turned out to be the leader of the group.
After the call with Desmond, Paul stood up to leave when a bullet sank into his heart and he collapsed, dead.
The sniper, peering through his scope to ensure the target was taken out, packed up and left.
Confusion filled the area as the crowd dispersed in panic, causing a stampede. The police arrived at the murder scene to confirm the identity of the deceased.
The killer pulled out his phone as he walked to his car and texted his partner: "We have a mole in our team. Take him out."