As I reflect on my journey, I realize that certain circumstances can give birth to demons. The day I witnessed my parents and siblings being brutally murdered was the day I transformed into a vengeful entity. Since then, my sole purpose in life has been to avenge their deaths. It's disheartening to know that multiple individuals were involved in their demise. So far, I've taken three lives, excluding the victim's families and those who dared to stand in my way.
As I glance at my death list, I acknowledge that I still have a long way to go. For some reason, I derived a twisted satisfaction from killing the third person on my list - Mr. Tayo, CEO of MUSTAC corporation. The arrogant man thought he was safe with his security personnel by his side. Sadly, they met their end too. If they weren't working for him, they'd still be alive today.
In the past, I would have seen individuals like them as significant obstacles, but experience has honed my skills. It only took two kills to reach this level of expertise. If you ask me where I'll end up - heaven or hell - I'll tell you I'm already destined for the latter, if it exists. I've long since bid farewell to my humanity.
Mr. Tayo was surprisingly easy to kill. I trailed him to a secluded area and took out his bodyguards quickly and unnoticed. I recall the look on his face when he saw his protectors lying lifeless on the ground. His expression was priceless - fear mixed with desperation as he begged for his life. Then, I revealed my identity, the truth finally dawning on him. With a pull of the trigger, his pleas were silenced. But I wasn't done yet. His family, innocent as they may have been, had to join him in death. Their fate was sealed by his own past actions. Now, my sights are set on the next name on my list... an intriguing one, indeed. I wonder if they're prepared to meet their maker.
****
Just like how the sun's gaze often rests on Nigeria and its inhabitants, the streets of Ikeja, like those of most cities, are known to be busy. Its roads are often congested with cars, buses, and motorcycles, creating a lively atmosphere.
Somewhere in its streets, a couple sits in their living room, their eyes blazing with intensity as they watch the news. The kind of news that reeks of horror. What they were hearing from the news was like pepperish substances that can travel through the ear and bring discomfort to the heart.
The news anchor's voice filled the room as he reported: "Mr. Tayo Akintola was found dead in an isolated area, along with his bodyguards. Shortly thereafter, his wife and children were reported dead in their home. Autopsies revealed their deaths were caused by gunshot wounds, making it clear they were murdered. A distinctive symbol was spotted at both crime scenes: a vivid "V" drawn in blood. According to the police, the killer they had been searching for had struck again, confirmed by the recognizable symbol. The police are currently investigating, working tirelessly to apprehend this serial killer."
Mr. Mathew Fadeyi sat stunned, his eyes fixed on the wide-screen TV. He glanced at his wife beside him; her face was clouded with worry. They sat in silence, processing the news as it continued. Though they appeared focused on the TV, distraction had already taken hold, their minds racing with thoughts.
His wife finally broke the silence. "These murders by the same killer aren't it weird, considering they're all people we know?" she asked. "First, Mr. Peter Nwafor, your business friend from Abuja, died just weeks after arriving in Lagos. Then, Mr. Steve Afolabi, owner of Godspeed Motor Ventures here in Lagos and also your business associate, passed away. Now, the famous Mr. Tayo Akintola, founder of Mustard Apex Oil Corporation, is dead. Remember, you were working on a potential business deal with him."
Mr. Mathew absorbed her words, remaining silent for a moment. "Let's not overthink it," he said. "It could be just a coincidence. No harm will come to us. Let's not allow fear to consume us." He spoke calmly, hiding the fear within.
"You might be right, but it's still just a probability," his wife replied. "All we can do is pray no harm comes to us."
Mr. Mathew added reassuringly, "Plus, our security is well-enforced. There's nothing to worry about, darling." Their gazes locked, seeking comfort in each other's eyes.
****
Linda sat in her room, deeply lost in thought. She had been eavesdropping on her parents' conversation about the serial killer dominating the news lately. Although she didn't know the victims, she felt a mix of alertness, fear, and curiosity. The connection between the victims and her dad was unsettling.
Her parents had only mentioned the victims' names, but Linda knew their families were also dead. Many people were aware, given the victims' popularity and the TV news' consistent reporting on their families' tragic fate.
Linda's mind wandered to the possibility of her family becoming the serial killer's next target. The bloody symbol "V" haunted her thoughts. "What does it mean?" she wondered. "Could it stand for Vengeance?" That was the only explanation that made sense.
She entertained the thought further. "If V represents Vengeance, does that mean the killer's motive is personal? Is he targeting specific individuals, killing them one by one?" The question sent shivers down her spine. "Who could be next?" she thought, frightened by the prospect of her family being targeted.
As an only child, Linda's parents treated her like a princess, and life seemed perfect. But now, she feared for her family's safety and her own. If they were targets, she might be killed alongside them, just like the other victims' families.
The thought of the killer's heartlessness and darkness consumed her. As her mind swirled with worries, fatigue took over. Her eyes grew heavy with sleep, exhausted from studying for her test. As soon as her eyelids closed, she succumbed to slumber.