Chapter 2
Episode 3: The Plot Thickens
I raced back to my land, fear and anger warring in my chest. How much had Bidemi overheard? What would she do with the information?
As I crested the hill overlooking my field, I skidded to a halt. Bidemi and Fulu were there, gesticulating wildly as they argued in hushed tones. They fell silent as they spotted me, their faces masks of forced innocence.
“What are you doing on my land?” I demanded, striding towards them.
Fulu stepped forward, a sickly sweet smile on her face. “Oh, Sade dear. We were just admiring your… handiwork. It’s quite impressive what you’ve managed to do with this pitiful plot.”
I didn’t buy it for a second. “Cut the act. I know Bidemi followed me to the goldsmith’s. What did you hear?”
Bidemi’s eyes narrowed. “Enough to know you’ve been keeping secrets, sister dear. Diamonds, is it? How fortunate for you.”
My hand instinctively went to my pocket, where the diamond still rested. “It’s none of your business. This is my land, and anything on it belongs to me.”
Fulu’s smile turned predatory. “Now, now. Let’s not be hasty. Surely, as family, we could come to some sort of… arrangement?”
I laughed bitterly. “Family? Since when have you treated me like family? No, whatever’s on this land is mine alone.”
Bidemi stepped forward, her voice low and threatening. “You’d better watch your back, Sade. Accidents happen all the time out here in the fields. It would be a shame if something were to… befall you.”
A chill ran down my spine, but I stood my ground. “Is that a threat?”
“A warning,” Fulu interjected smoothly. “Think carefully about your next move, girl. You’re out of your depth.”
As they turned to leave, I called after them. “Stay off my land. Both of you. You’re not welcome here.”
I watched them go, my mind racing. I knew this was far from over. Bidemi and Fulu wouldn’t give up easily, not with the promise of wealth dangling before them. I needed a plan, and fast.
As night fell, I paced my small hut, the diamond clutched tightly in my hand. I couldn’t stay here – it wasn’t safe. But where could I go? Who could I trust?
An image of the stranger who had tried to buy my land flashed through my mind. There was something about him, something that had unsettled me at the time. But now, he might be my only hope.
Decision made, I began to pack. Come morning, I would seek out the stranger. Whether he turned out to be my salvation or my downfall remained to be seen. But one thing was certain – nothing would ever be the same again.
