Trapped by the cops

Sophia's POV

Obviously, my abrupt exit showcased my situation of mental turmoil as I was experiencing a sudden surge of emotions. I was overwhelmed by isolation and despair that the rash decisions that occupied my mind were to cause harm to the man behind my misery. I was thirsty to commit a crime that would result in a long term in jail if I was caught.

I just couldn't think straight as the only thing that occupied my mind, and would only give me relief at the moment was to set fire to the nearest oil and gas station owned by my enemy. We are still at the early time of the day, and I was rest assured that I could carry out my plan tonight.

I slammed my hand on the door of my tiny apartment and it opened immediately.

That's how insufficient we are, and it's all his fault. The devilish Theodore Andrews.

I settled at the front of the old laptop I used to watch numerous online recipes. I searched and clicked on the videos of the nearest B&G oil and gas station. The name alone makes my body crawl in irritation as I watch and scroll to each corner of the building. Apparently, it was a vlog of their so-called new achievement. It wasn't the most vulnerable one among his stations, but it would surely take a toll on him once he saw it burn into ashes.

Thankfully, the land was wide enough, and secured for people not to carelessly hang around. Besides, I will be carrying out my mission at midnight when fewer people will be present. Immediately I was satisfied, I checked my phone through half-lidded eyes. I hissed in disgust because Jake hadn't messaged me back, but coincidentally, he called me the moment I was about to drop my phone.

"Sophia…" he calls in his usual nervous tone. "What do you mean by that message? Do you think I will stoop that low to make you mine? If you need me…" he was saying when I cut him shut.

"I want to commit arson on the B&G station located at the Marine Estate" I revealed without giving a damn about his reaction.

"What?!" he exclaimed as expected.

"You see that it isn't that easy. I would give us a chance if you will help me" I muttered in a soft seductive tone.

"Why…What…When do you plan to do this?" he breathes.

"Tonight" I replied simply.

"You have to get information about the nook and crannies of the environment if it's the properties you are after. You know you can't joke with that family, right? I don't know what they have done to you, but I know you won't decide on something so rash for no reason. The consequences are tough, Sophie, and I don't want anything to happen to you" Jake tried to convince me, but I wasn't even listening attentively.

"They are tough, but you are tougher. There is a reason why I wanted you to assist me. I had many options, but chose you because I trust you" I murmured the last part softly knowing he would be convinced.

"Oh..ok…I will help you but you don't have to go there all by yourself," he said.

"I want to watch it burn down myself, Mr Jake," I disagreed sharply.

"Ok, ok. I will instruct some perfect people for the job. They will wait for you before they carry out the job. The CCTV camera will be taken care of. Just be careful" he cautioned while I smiled in pleasure.

"I appreciate it," I muttered, and cut the call.

I was getting more and more excited for the night to come so that I could take Jason to Tina's residence and then move to the location Jake texted me to meet the gang members.

The moment the clock hit 9:00 pm, I rushed down to the neighborhood with Jason's packaged uniforms and pocket money. I promised to bring his lunch to his school the next day.

Tina was the one who opened the door. She almost slammed the door in my face and it made me realize that she was mad about the incident that occurred this morning. I rashly apologized and her face softened the moment I mentioned Jason sleeping over at her place.

I squatted to Jadon's height, held the sides of his head with my hands, and muttered while looking at those sea-blue eyes of his "Be a good boy, ok? I will be here to escort you to school tomorrow morning" I reassured him.

Little Jason eyed me suspiciously and responded in that tiny voice of his "Are you okay, Mom? I am not complaining, but you have never left me to stay over at someone else's house. Are you bothered by my school fees again? I might have gone to school before you come and see me but promise to come back for me" he says.

My eyes clouded in tears that I almost changed my mind about my mission, but I knew deep down I would deteriorate if I didn't do what was on my mind. Enough is enough even though burning down only one of his stations might do nothing to hurt him. I will do it to satisfy myself. I gulped and whispered in a croaky voice as I was almost on the verge of crying "I will surely be back for you, my love. Mummy loves you always because you are the most precious gift bestowed on me"

I stared at the ground and pushed back the tears that were threatening to fall. "I have to go now" I stood up and accompanied him into Tina's apartment.

"Please take care of him," I pleaded with my gaze pointed at Tina.

She was eager to ask a question but since she was still awkward around me, she kept her request to herself. I smiled when I heard her kids scream in happiness to see Jason. They attend the same school.

"Ok. I have to go now" I declared with a smile.

"Yeah, sure. Be careful out there" Tina cautions. She didn't lock the door until I was out of sight and it brought a smile to my face. I strolled for a while and stopped at the spot to meet the gang. I exhaled in relief, yanked my nose mask out of my pocket, and properly situated it on my face. "You can do this." I encouraged myself before moving forward to the van I sighted from afar.

I had no idea where I mustered such fearlessness, but as I approached the van, they all alighted from the bus and bowed their heads in respect even though they didn't reveal their masked faces. They were probably fifteen in number.

I was impressed by Jake's handwork.

On our way towards the road that leads to the station, their leader filled me in on the process of the mission, and how they had planned to lure the security and night workers out of the building. They had prepared gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, and even household items like aerosol cans and paint thinners.

Precautionary measures were lined out since it was a gas company itself. It was estimated that the company would have been damaged before the firefighters arrived, and I was pleased. I offered to be the one to put on the lighter and they had accepted.

We patiently waited until Midnight and immediately switched on to our mission.

A distraction was carried out by some of them while the others sneaked to spread the dangerous substances. Assured that no individual was inside, I placed the lighter on the diesel aligned on the ground while another fellow called the firefighter.

It was crazy because I couldn't move. They kept screaming my name when the fire started, but I just couldn't take a step until one of my fellow arsonists forcefully carried me away. He almost yelled at my behaviour, but I only focused on the massive blaze from afar as it caused extensive damage to the station.

"Mission accomplished!!!" they screamed in unison the moment the firefighters rushed towards the direction of the station.

I felt better, but not satisfied. I wished I could do this to his other companies.

I was dropped at the location where I was picked and I staggered tiredly towards my little home. I slept with a mind of peace that I even ended up waking up late. I almost screamed when I remembered I had no job and Jason was not here with me.

I yawned and lay down to sleep when I heard a resounding bang on my door. Apparently, the whole wood shattered on the floor and I couldn't help but rush out of my room in rage.

"What the hell….?!" I was saying but shut my mouth the moment I sighted the cops. There were many in numbers, and it made me feel like I was a long-wanted criminal.

Or was I?