The big plan

CHAPTER THREE.

Chief Onapuruagu Ihopunonu tossed about the bed restlessly, carefully planning his next move. He didn't know what was more important; luring Coco into his bed or getting rid of Chief Kaave, or expanding his brand.

He needed to decide on which move to make first. If he succeeded in luring Coco into his bed, he'd get the remaining two.

If he got rid of Chief Kaave, he'd still get the remaining two. If he expanded his brand, he'd also get the remaining two. All he needed was to make one right move. He reached for his cigarettes, and smoked four blunts.

With music playing softly in the background, Chief Onapuruagu sipped his champagne. Pretending to enjoy himself. Chief Kaave's moment was over. It was about time the streets of Dirty South had a new king.

Twenty nine years old Chief Onapuruagu Ihopunonu: fair, bonny, comely and easy on the eyes. People always wondered why such a young man acquired a chieftaincy. He was too young for the things he did, too small for the kind of games he played. However, the likes of Chief Kaave and Chief Tony never underestimated him. Chief Onapuruagu's parents divorced when he was five years old.

After the divorce, he and his mother remained in Nigeria; his father returned to Cameron, where he was incarcerated for a number of years on drug related charges. His father's limited finances and legal issues caused him to remain in Cameron untill Chief Onapuruagu's early adulthood.

His father claimed in an interview that Chief Onapuruagu's assertions of him being an absent father were embellishments used to sell his brand, which Chief Onapuruagu vehemently denied.

Chief Onapuruagu was raised in Nigeria. He lived on Western road in the city's working class west end, with his mother and four younger siblings, untill he left home and moved to one of the city's affluent neighborhoods; dirty south. Where he met and partnered with the likes of Chief Kaave and Chief Tony. He gained his own brand and recognition through his partnership with Chief Kaave. He first came into prominence through TRENDZ.

Although his brand was flying high, Chief Onapuruagu hit a few rough patches in his personal life. He and Vill became rivals for the affections of Coco, and the pair's bitter feud erupted in violence during an event at TRENDZ, resulting in injuries to several onlookers.

Both Chief Onapuruagu and Vill found themselves facing legal consequences for their actions. That was the last time he attended an event or function at TRENDZ, and that was the last time Chief Kaave allowed Vill host any event or function at TRENDZ.

***

Coco could not stay mad at Chief Kaave for long. He was all she had in the world. Despite her unworthiness, he didn't change toward her. He still gave her plenty of lovin', not only when he was in the mood, but, all the time. She blamed everything on Vill. What to do? Stay in Nigeria and fight her father over his own empire? Or travel to Australia and let her father handle his business, his way?

Brandy was no help when it came to making a decision. "Follow your heart," she insisted.

"How nice..." Coco's voice was husky. "You are the worst friend I've ever had."

"Too bad, you're stuck with me till eternity." Brandy said dramatically. The way Coco spoke, made Brandy wonder why she hadn't killed Vill yet. I mean, that was the easiest way to get rid of him.

Brandy was short, with a dynamic body and a sweep of dark curls. Her body was naturally tanned. "Just kill him." She casually said, lighting a cigarette.

"My dad will kill me if I lay a finger on Vill." Coco responded.

"He won't." Brandy insisted. "Weren't you asking for my advice? Don't you want the empire?"

"I know my dad. If he doesn't kill me, he will disown me. And I don't want that."

"Then kill all three of them. Your father, mother and Vill." Brandy smiled, "oh please, I'm just joking. Don't dig in."

Coco ignored her. She did nothing but make cracks about life. It seemed to give her some kind of perverse pleasure.

"Brandy, listen. We'll stick to the plan. You were last seen with Vill. I asked him to drive you to the annual function yesterday, but since then, no one has heard from you or seen you. No one knows where you are. You are missing. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

"You'll remain here in my bedroom. No one can find you here." Coco turned away. Her actions were rehearsed, memorized, habitual. She was going to convince her dad, Vill kidnapped and raped Brandy. She was going to keep Brandy away for sometime, when things get heated, Brandy will resurface. She was going to make sure her dad, kick Vill out of TRENDZ and their lives.

"Where's Vill right now?" Brandy asked.

"I don't know. Prolly still there. But sooner than later, my dad will find him. He's sent the search team to find him, and you." Coco replied.

Coco was wearing jeans, tucked into boots, and a pale blue silk shirt with most of the buttons casually undone. Her breast were clearly visible through the material. She took some gold chains from her shoulder bag and slung them around her neck; then she added two thick gold bangles and a pair of large hoop earrings.

She was now ready to go out and start her day in the office. She glanced at her Cartier tank watch. Eight thirty. Two wasted hours with her supposed best friend. And where the hell was Jeremy? She looked at Brandy, "I am going to the office, are you..."

"Nah, I am not following you anywhere."

"I am not going to beg you. Well, just don't come back running to me when you get bored."

Coco didn't hear Mrs. Kaave come into the room and was only aware of her presence when she noticed Brandy looking at the entrance to the room.

"Good morning mom."

"Good morning. How was your night?"

Coco managed a weak smile. "Fine." She said softly.

"Good morning ma." Brandy quickly greeted, not expecting a response. Mrs. Kaave had this habit of not always responding to her greetings.

"How long have you been there?" Coco questioned.

"I just got here." Mrs. Kaave looked at both friends with suspicion. "Why? Is there something I wasn't meant to hear?"

"No." Coco sharply answered.

"You don't need to hide anything from me, now onwards. We're in this together. But you have to be very careful. Keep your door locked. Anyone can come in." Mrs. Kaave said. "Your father is waiting for you."

"Tell him we'll see in the office."

"So you're not leaving for Australia?"

"Yes." Coco was looking at the mirror, frowning at the way she looked. Since this week, she had been feeling ugly.

"Good. TRENDZ belongs to you, not Vill, or anyone else."

Coco did not take her eyes off Mrs. Kaave for straight two minutes. For the first time in her life, this woman was making sense. She spent all her childhood, teen and early adulthood hating Mrs. Kaave. Mrs. Kaave always irritated her with her strict principles, whereas she wasn't a saint either.

What was she doing again, before getting married to her dad? Oh, stripping. She hawked bread round the city and stripped for whoever cared to patronize her. Now? She preferred to pretend like her past was a secret. Fuck shit! Her past was an open secret. Hmmm. She started liking the woman she was seeing now. This woman was helping her now.

"I will briefly have a word with my dad, on my way out," Coco looked at Brandy. "Bitch, be good."

Coco hurried out of her bedroom and buzzed for the elevator impatiently. The elevator arrived and she stepped inside. Her mind was racing. Her dearest dad was downstairs, probably in his study room, waiting for her. What would happen now? Could she work things out with him? Would he be prepared to listen to her?

***

Mrs. Kaave nodded limply. "Yes, I will pay you two million for the job."

Brandy frowned. "That is not a fair deal. I was offered ten million to do that same job, yet I rejected it."

"Are you saying you cannot be bought?"

"Everything and everyone has a price."

"How much will you take?"

"Thirty million."

"Are you crazy?" Mrs. Kaave snapped, trying to control her voice. "Have you ever made thirty million in your life?"

"Take it or leave it."

"I will leave it."

"Good."

"Make sure this conversation stays between us."

"Oh, you will have to pay for that as well," Brandy laughed historically.

"What!" Mrs. Kaave exclaimed. "You want to blackmail me?" She wasn't surprised. Birds of a feather.

"Five million, or Coco hears about this. I wouldn't need to give her proof, before she believes me."

"Send your account details, and make sure you don't trouble me again. Don't forget to lock the damn door. I pray you get caught though." Mrs. Kaave left the room, regretting why she approached her.

Brandy couldn't help but scream in excitement. Yes! She was five million richer. Tomorrow, she'd be ten million richer. Life with the Kaave's was beautiful. She enjoyed jumping on dangerous games and parties the beautiful Coco Kaave brought to the table. Missing or not, she had a party to attend tonight with Coco.