Chapter – 4
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The taxi came to a halt outside Ladin Apartments, the mid-rise block wedged between Nairobi's chaotic avenues. Smith paid the driver with shaky hands and stepped out. The midday sun hung in the sky, directing its rays at him like judgment being passed. He climbed into the elevator and pressed the 5th-floor button; it groaned to life. Each ding amplified his paranoia.
Unlocking the door, the familiar quiet hit him first—his small sanctuary, the open living area connecting into the kitchen, the desk tucked into a dim corner with the printer on top. Large windows overlooked the streets below, letting him monitor the city flow. The midday sun streamed slightly into his apartment, making the lighting better than it was.
Smith sank into the chair by the desk, his phone in hand, waiting for Marcus to signal his arrival. He also decided to check the message the unknown number had sent him: "Meet me at the Old Colonial Quarter at 7:00pm if you want to avoid the consequences."
Smith sat by the desk, phone in hand, the words from the unknown number occupying most of his thoughts. The text made his thumping heart relax slightly; he couldn't help but wonder. Why was the unknown caller requesting a meeting if he had the capability to monitor him and enforce his word? Or was it all a bluff to rattle his nerves, to make him more nervous and paranoid, increasing his chances of mistakes?
What Smith knew was that he had to comply if he wanted to know the unknown caller. He would be going to the Old Colonial Quarter at seven p.m. today.
A soft knock at the door drew Smith away from his thoughts. Marcus stepped in, carrying a backpack and wearing his usual grin that did little to mask the tension in his eyes. "Hey," Marcus said, setting the bag down carefully. "Where is the document?"
Smith nodded in greeting, sliding the envelope across the desk. "You are early. I thought we agreed on picking it up after noon?"
Marcus chuckled lightly. "Yeah, the class ended early and I had nothing to do... so I decided why not pick it up now." He picked up the envelope, examined it briefly, and then turned toward the door.
Before he could leave, Smith issued a warning: "Be careful out there. I don't trust anyone today. Not even myself."
He nodded slightly before stepping out. Outside, the sun had started its slow descent, signifying it would be evening soon. Marcus drove fast through the city. After reaching near an alley, he alighted and started walking, weaving past pedestrians, careful to avoid drawing attention. He moved at a steady pace.
Somewhere in a narrow alley, he reached a small, unmarked office, key in hand. The door opened silently, and he slipped inside, closing it behind him with a faint click.
Inside, the room was sparse: a desk, a chair, and a computer glowing slightly, providing enough light to maneuver through. Carefully, he scanned the pages again, confirming the contents. Then, he made a digital copy, encrypting it before sending it to a secure server.
Near the closed door, a faint human shadow moved. A low and distorted voice: "All done?"
Marcus didn't look up. "Done. The copy has been secured."
"Good. Deliver it." The figure opened the door and faded into the alley, leaving Marcus alone with the soft hum of the computer.
He retrieved the envelope, securing it tightly under his arm, and stepped back into the alley. He moved back through the streets, retracing his steps to his car, eyes scanning secretly for any suspicious person.
By the time Marcus arrived at Jack's office, the sun had already set, letting the night fully claim the city. Jack was busy reviewing some random documents, his expression unreadable, one hand resting over the polished mahogany desk.
"Everything in order?" Jack asked, without tearing his eyes from whatever he was reading.
Marcus placed the folder on the desk, tapping it lightly. "Yes, Father. As requested. The document is here."
Jack's fingers hovered over the folder, brushing the edges like a man verifying the weight of a sword.
"I told you to address me as boss when alone; father is a title reserved for meetings and public appearances only. Aside from that, you did good." He reprimanded his son while praising him at the same time. "And Smith?"
Marcus nodded stiffly. "Okay, boss. Also, he seems to have everything under control. The stunt you pulled seemed to have given him courage to rebel and sign the document."
Jack's lips curved into a subtle smile, but it never reached his eyes. "I see. Keep him safe... for now. We'll see how his family will react upon learning of his rebellion."
Marcus nodded, a flicker of unease crossing his features, but easily masked by his stoic face. He left the office with the same silence that had carried him there, the night swallowing his figure.
Back at the apartment, Smith sat at the edge of the couch, preparing to meet the mysterious texter at the agreed location. 'What if it's a trap? Should I bring Marcus as a backup?' Smith thought, his mind currently occupied, trying to unpack the plan of the unknown number.