Chapter 3: Chapter 3
{Christmas Eve}
{Isale Eko}
The sun sat in the sky in the midday of the Christmas eve. The streets were crowded with people who were getting prepared for the Christmas celebration. Everywhere was full of the sounds of cars honking, people talking, and street hawkers shouting. Harmattan had come to reign, putting everyone's lips under his subjugation. To Nigerians, it was a sign of festive period.
The air was filled with the sounds of Christmas music, the smell of freshly baked cookies, and the sight of colorful decorations adorning the homes and businesses. Residents of the neighborhood decorated their homes with bright lights and many people put up decorations in the windows of their homes. People can be seen rushing about, buying gifts, decorating, and preparing for the next day. While happiness filled the air, many elderly ones could be seen running to keep shelter from the sounds of knockouts, or fireworks, that took over the street.
Children ran through the streets, shouting "knockout" as they set off the fireworks. The sounds filled the neighborhood, and the elderly residents came out of their homes to scold the children for disturbing the peace. "Go home and stop making so much noise!" they shouted. But the children only laugh and continue on their way. It was indeed a season that put smile on everyone's face.
Meanwhile, in the Akintayo's resident, Bayo's dad and mom sat in the living room watching the news with his sister Tolu. He was in his room, staring at the ceiling.
(Bayo)
"The incident that happened that day still traumatizes me. How I wish I could save that poor woman but if I didn't escape, I wouldn't be alive now. But, what is still bothering me is that I hope the killer won't come for me and my family this time around? I just hope he won't. Maybe I should just forget about this thing and think about something else. I should think about Flora. I miss her so much that I can't wait to resume school. I just hope I'm alive before then."
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Bayo sighed heavily and wore a faint smile. He sat up and decided to join his family in the living room. He sat on the three-seater couch beside his mother. His father asked what the matter was but he told them he was fine even though he wasn't. His parents were aware of what happened that day but they weren't aware that their son was at the scene. He kept it a secret from them.
'Bayonle!' His mom called.
'Ma!' He responded.
'Your father and I will be visiting the village today. We got a call from your grandpa that grandma is sick, so we will have to check on her.' said Mrs Akintayo.
'Okay. Hope it's not that serious? And when will you be back?' Asked Bayo.
'It's not that serious but we also want to use this opportunity to say hello to them. And we will be back very early tomorrow morning so as to celebrate Christmas as a family.' Mr Akintayo replied with a smile.
'Can't we come along with you mummy?' Tolu asked in a childish tone.
'Kíló se eléyí (What's wrong with this one). You better sit down and watch the Tv.'
Tolu looked at him and stuck her tongue out at him. Bayo pointed to himself, asking if he was the one she was doing that to. She nodded and Bayo pointed his five fingers towards her whispering 'waka.'
'Okay that's enough. Tolu, you're staying with your brother. And Bayo, please take care of your sister.' Mrs Akintayo requested.
'Okay ma.' said Bayo as he rested against his back comfortably on the couch and closed his eyes.
'Baba Bayo, can you please increase the volume? I think there's something about this headline.' She asked politely.
Mr Akintayo grabbed the remote and increased the volume. The news suddenly captured Bayo's attention as he opened his eyes. The journalist on the screen began to read an alarming headline. "Last year, Lagos Island saw a record number of murder cases during this particular period. The police are investigating over a dozen cases, and many more are believed to have gone unreported. The violence has left many residents feeling unsafe and uncertain about the future. The police have vowed to increase their presence in the area, but some residents say more needs to be done to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place."
"Some witnesses claim to have seen the killer wearing a strange Christmas-themed outfit, complete with a mask that covers his face. The police are asking for anyone with information about the murders or the killer to come forward. They stress that this individual is dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone who sees this individual is advised to call the police immediately."
"Recently, Residents of the rural areas inside Lagos have also reported a series of murders, some with similar descriptions to the murders taking place in the island. The killer, who some have begun to call 'Santa Claws', is believed to be responsible for these deaths as well. The police are working to determine if these murders are related. It's possible that there may be multiple killers, or that the murders are being carried out by a copycat. Whatever the case, the police are working tirelessly to solve these crimes and bring the killer or killers to justice.
In the meantime, residents are being urged to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. I go by the name Ayanfeoluwa David. Stay safe and merry Christmas." The journalist reported.
Bayo and his family exchanged nervous glances, a sense of unease settling over them. Bayo's parents looked at each other, unsure of what to do. On the one hand, they were worried about the safety of their family. But on the other hand, they had already made plans to travel and didn't want to cancel their trip. Bayo could see the conflict in their eyes. His mother finally spoke up, saying, 'I think we need to consider our options carefully. Maybe we can make some changes to our plans to ensure our safety.'
Bayo's father spoke up. 'I agree with your mother. We need to be vigilant and cautious. Maybe we should ask some of our friends or family to stay at our home while we're gone, just to keep an eye on things.'
'That's not necessary Dad, we'll be fine.' Bayo assured his parents.
'You're sure?' He asked
'Yes daddy. Besides, I can call Tinuke to sleep over. We will be okay mommy.' He reassured them.
'Ok then.' Mr Akintayo said and concentrated on the next Tv program.
Bayo's heart pounded very hard after hearing the early report. Was the man who killed his mother's friend the same person as this 'Santa Claws'? He was sure the killer he saw wasn't wearing any Christmas attire but he wore a flexible black mask. He knew he was not the only one who was worried, his whole family were. But it was nothing compared to what he was dealing with.
The sun was already setting, Bayo's parents packed their bags and got ready to leave. They gave Bayo strict instructions to keep the doors locked and not to let any stranger in. They also told him to keep an eye on his sister, Tosin, and to make sure she didn't go outside by herself. Bayo promised to follow their instructions, and he watched as they walked to the park. He felt a little nervous and confident. He knew he had to be very careful now that his parents are not around.
He walked back inside with his sister and closed the door behind him. He had barely took five steps when he heard a knock on the door. He was a little bit startled and wondered if it were his parents. Tolu attempted to open the door but Bayo stopped her. He asked who it was but no one responded. He instructed her to go inside and she obeyed. He walked up to the door and asked who it was again but instead, the knocking continued.
Chills and sweat already got a hold of him and he was lost in thought again. But he suddenly mustered up some courage and his eyes searched for anything that could protect him. His eyes caught a sharp knife that was placed on the table. He grabbed it and hid it behind him. He walked up to the door gently and grabbed the handle. He opened the door slowly making a crack sound and there stood a tall man in a black baseball cap. The man lifted up his face and gave a devilish smile. His mouth was stretched into a wide, creepy grin.
Bayo's hand trembled as he saw the man's face. His breath was caught in his throat, and he couldn't move. The man continued to grin, and then he spoke. 'Hello, Bayo'.
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