The air felt heavier now.
Like it was pressing down on Mike from all sides.
The man in front of him didn't move.
Didn't blink.
Just watched.
Waiting.
For something.
"For what?" Mike thought.
His mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.
"This doesn't make sense," he said, forcing a small, uneasy smile. "I think there's been a misunderstanding. I just know her from—"
"From where?" another voice cut in.
Mike turned slightly.
One of the men from behind had stepped forward now.
Younger than the first.
But angrier.
Much angrier.
"I said I know her from school," Mike replied, trying to stay calm. "We're from the same place. I just saw her and wanted to—"
"You wanted to what?" the second man snapped.
The tone was aggressive.
Unforgiving.
Mike's chest tightened.
"I just wanted to talk—"
"Talk?" the man scoffed. "Na talk you dey do?"
The third man moved closer too.
Now they were three.
Positioned around him.
Not touching him.
But close enough.
Too close.
Mike became aware of something else.
The distance between him and the gate.
Farther than it felt before.
Much farther.
His breathing changed slightly.
Controlled.
Careful.
"Sir, I think you're misunderstanding—" he started again.
But the first man raised his hand slightly.
And Mike stopped.
"Listen carefully," the man said, his voice low now. "You entered this compound. You called her name. You followed her."
Each word landed slowly.
Deliberately.
"You think we don't see?" he continued.
Mike shook his head quickly.
"No, sir. That's not what—"
"Then what is it?" the second man demanded.
The pressure was building.
Not physically.
Not yet.
But mentally.
Emotionally.
Like a trap closing in.
Mike looked from one face to another.
Trying to find reason.
Understanding.
Anything.
But all he saw was suspicion.
And something else…
Anger.
Deep anger.
"I don't know what you've been told," Mike said carefully, choosing his words, "but I'm not who you think I am."
Silence.
The kind that stretches just long enough to become uncomfortable.
The first man stared at him for a few seconds.
Then…
Very slowly…
He nodded.
Once.
As if he had just reached a conclusion.
"Alright," he said quietly.
The sudden calm in his voice felt wrong.
Very wrong.
Mike felt it immediately.
Something was about to happen.
He just didn't know what.
Or when.
Or how.
But he felt it.
Clear.
Strong.
Unavoidable.
And in that moment…
For the first time since entering the compound…
Mike felt something real.
Not confusion.
Not curiosity.
Fear.