the prisoner - wordpress.com · 2017-10-06 · the prisoner secrets, scandals and consequences...

1 | P a g e T H E P R I S O N E R T e m i t o p e ’ s A r c h i v e

THE PRISONER

Secrets, Scandals and Consequences

Category: Christian Fiction

By: Temitope Adegbenjo


#ThePrisoner

1

"...No matter what you are going through in your homes, always remember you can do all things

through Christ who strengthens you. Amen?"

"Amen" The church chorused.

"Have a lovely week people of God"

Every one stood up to take their leave.

People greeted one another as usual.

"Sister Margaret. That was one very powerful sermon”. That was Sis. Kate, the head usher'

"Thank you Ma'am. May the Lord always find us useful"

"Aha, he is"

That was my husband waiting by the car. We had just finished our annual couple's retreat.

I addressed the wives at the closing remark.

My husband was the Pastor of Faith Assembly, Lagos.

We have a very beautiful family.

My name is Margaret, I'm 36, I love my husband, I love my church, I love my home and I love

my life...


2

I'm a happy woman.

The happiest day of my life was when I got married.

My husband, Pastor Ebere, was one man too many.

He was kind, gentle and compassionate.

"Ada" like he likes to call me ", what‟s for dinner?

'I'm coooming o.

"Madam, make it fast before I dial my mother's number"

"Your mother knows you are fatter than when I married you"

'Taah! All you've been doing is spending my money'

"hahahaha money indeed. You've been saying that since you married me. The money, I never

see'

This is usually how our home looks like. We play about almost everything.

My husband is a full time pastor and I am a full time employee of one of the FMCGs.

We were not rich but we never lacked.

We have been married for 8years and by my own reasoning, we were going stronger by the day.

Although sometimes we feel sad as we are yet to receive our own baby. Yet, My husband has

been very supportive.

'Nne, Please now, pass me that meat'

'Which meat? Abeg!

And don't go near my pot'

I already knew he would go take another piece of meat from the pot.

Welcome to my family.


3

As happy as I was in my home, there was basically one thing my husband and I did not agree on.

Dressing.

I am the moderate but trendy kind of woman. I like a lot of finishing when it comes to dressing.

Ebere on the other hand doesn't care much.

Not that he couldn't afford to dress well. He just didn't see it as something to argue on.

I have tried all the advice given in women's conferences.

'Look, Ada,I don't worry about trivial things like what to wear. I am more concerned with taking

care of you and living right with God. Who is looking at me? Eh? Abi, are you ashamed of me?

There the arguments go again.

"Look, Ebere, I don't like it when I see my husband in public and I am ashamed.

I--I see the way other men dress"

"Whatever you like see. Biko don't bother my life. If you like be looking at other people's

husbands up and down.."

(Sigh) I'm just tired of these arguments.

The sick thing about this kind of issue is it is easier for men to adjust their wives to their taste,

Easier for them to seek opinion from their friends and colleagues and easier for the church to

advise we women to always look appealing to our husbands.

But for the minority of women like me, we don't get to talk about it. We hide under our

spirituality to accept the fact that such trivial things don't matter.

What the society doesn't realize is that what is trivial to one person is the big headache another

person needs a cure for.

I like men that dress well. I really really have a soft spot for men with a good sense of taste.

This is my secret fantasy.

This is my open secret…


4

"If we work as a team, and everyone does his/her part, profitability would be non-negotiable.

So,go back to your teams today and do the right thing"

That was the MD addressing all the team leads.

Monday mornings were typical for meetings and meetings. Sometimes, I wished Mondays were

deleted for sanity sake.

I had returned to my office and was trying to draft out the strategy for the week.

Production had been relatively low the previous week.

'Knock, knock'

'Yes, come in'

'Good Morning ma' My secretary, Teniola.

She was one very hard working girl.

'How are you Teni?

'Fine ma'

'Anything for your Madam?

"Hmmm, nothing really ma. We have a new staff deployed from HR.I told him to wait at the

reception already"

"Ok, tell him to meet me in 10mins'

In my head I was thinking,

These HR people, they would just send people to your unit without informing you.

Mtcheeeew.

'Knock, Knock'

'Yes, come in. This is not a bedroom'

'Good Morning Ma'

I didn't look up. I was trying to pick a pen that had fallen.

He greeted again.


'Good Morning Ma'

I looked up to see him.

I had seen several men dress nicely.

But something about this one beats me.

Like something out of a movie, I took a moment to look at him from his shoes upward.

I didn't know I was thinking aloud,

'This is Dope!'

'Ma?'

I came back to my consciousness,

'Sorry, that wasn't for you'

Let it not be heard of that a woman of my moral, spiritual and social standing, finds this young

man attractive.

He looked like a young man of about 30years.

'Good-Good morning, please take a seat'

My Name is Margaret, I am the team lead, Sales and Marketing. May I meet you?'

'My name is Alexander Keshinro...'

Maybe he was speaking French or Speaking Greek, All I knew was this guy sitting in front of me

is way too charming!

'Is there anything you would like me to do today Ma?'

'Wh-what?' I didn't know he had finished talking already.

'I was asking if there is something..'

'Oh, no no. At least, not today. You just meet with the other members of the team. I'd see you

around later'

As soon as he left my office, I began to hit my head,

'Margaret, what is wrong you?

You are a married woman!


That was pretty close'

This was not the first time I would find another man attractive. But, this one was completely

different and an eventually, this one was the beginning...


5

'I was leaving my office for lunch the following day. I saw Alex sitting alone at his desk.

”Hello Alex, no lunch?”

'Hmmm, I actually don't know where to eat yet. The food I ate yesterday was poor Ma'

Poor boy

'Come, let's have lunch on me today'

'Wow, thanks Ma'

We got to the eatery. As in my usual manner, I was going to open the door. He moved faster to

get the door. His hands touched mine.

"Oops, Sorry Ma. I know I should get the door first'

That touch was magnetic!

"Margaret, what is wrong with you?"

We were eating as expected. Of course I knew better than to start a conversation.

"Ma, how long have you been here?'

"Me? 5years.

"5years and you are a team lead already?

'Yeah, I had worked with Cadbury before coming here"

"Oh, I see. I hope I get my promotion fast too. I don't know if my banking experience would

count"

'One day at a time young Man."

He paused,

"Ma'am, are you wearing Eternity?

"What?"

"I mean your perfume, is it Eternity?

"Oh, funny enough, I don't know the name. I just bought it at a store"


"I can place a bet actually. It feels like Eternity. Smells nice on you Ma.

I chuckled.

"You really must know a lot of brands"

I took the last spoon of my meal.

"Of course! I think I have a good taste for brands Ma. Like your bag, without looking at the label,

I know it‟s Givenchy Ma"

He seemed too comfortable with me.

I took a final gulp of my drink.

"You need to stop this Ma thing. We use first names only here.

This guy feels interesting and charming...


6

Alex wasn't just well dressed.

He was very smart and full of ideas.

He had a good sense of humour and a pleasant personality.

'Oh, Margaret, get your mind off that boy. He could as well be your younger brother and you are

MARRIED'

That was me talking to myself.

Friday was business meeting and I needed Alex to help out with some proposals.

"Knock, Knock'

'Hello Margaret'

'Hi Alex, please take a seat. So here are the files...'

'Margaret, did you change your perfume?'

" Err- Yes. What about it?'

'D&G? As in Dolce &Gabbana?'

Wow! This guy is just observant! Gosh!

"(Smiles), you really are very observant, I'd confirm the name when I get home"

I couldn't help smiling to myself.

'Do you sell perfumes?'

'Hahaha...I really love perfumes. Especially the sexy ones like the one you are wearing'

I was silent for a moment, then shook my head.

"You really are a perfume freak! My friend, get to work jare"

That night, I got home. As usual, my husband was there to welcome me.

I gave him a hug as usual.

For the first time, I realized my husband didn't notice my perfume was different.

"Sweetheart, did you notice anything different about me?


'Like what?'

"My Perfume, I changed it"

"Really?"

Not like I was expecting a different answer though.

"Never mind"


7

'Alex, are you not going home?'

I noticed Alex had a habit of closing late from work. I had worked late because of a presentation

we were having the following day and was about to still leave him at work.

'I'm just passing time' he said.

'Passing time indeed. Perhaps you are owing your Landlord'

'Hahaha, I wish'

So, I decided to sit down with him and find out why he was always closing late.

'So, tell me. Why are you running away from home?'

He sighed.

'It‟s my wife. My wife never gives me rest'

I don't know why I sort of felt jealous. I had never for once thought he was married.

'Oh… u- u're married?'

'Yes. For two years now'

'So, what is the issue with her?'

'I think I'm just tired of the whole thing. She nags a lot and doesn't take care of herself'.

How on Earth would someone blessed with a charming husband who gives attention to details

like this not consider herself lucky?

'She completely changed from who she was before our marriage. I just can't figure out how she

became so ..so..'

'Calm down Alex. Sometimes, the stress of keeping the house makes things difficult'

'I'm not asking for too much. I just can't cope with her poor dress sense anymore. I love my

woman looking classy and beautiful. I take my time to go shopping for her, she just doesn't use

the stuff I buy. She doesn't use the perfumes I buy, smells a lot.. I am t-i-r-e-d!'

Maybe I should have stood up at that moment. I just listened on.

'Look at you Margaret. You've been married for 8yrs.Right?You take your time to look beautiful,

classy, sexy...what man would not be happy waiting for you at home?


'H-hey Alex, just calm down. God is in control. Now, up, let's go home'

All the way home that day, his words kept echoing in my ears.

'Beautiful, classy, sexy...'

It‟s just strange how it suddenly felt. I suddenly became too conscious of my husband's poor

attitude towards my dress sense.

I could say for certain, I was drifting emotionally towards Alex...


8

'I sat in church on Sunday. My husband was preaching on keeping the home.

'One of the ways to keep your home is being truthful towards each other' He said.

He talked about faithfulness in marriage and of course, like in a typical African church, the focus

was on men.

'Margaret, you are lusting towards Alex, you need help'. That was me talking to myself.

'If you are here battling with lust and inordinate affection, please come out and let's pray

together...' Said my husband.

There was no way I was going to come out. I am the Pastor's wife! I'd rather go back home and

manage the situation.

I thought of a solution.

I was going to do an overhaul of my husband's wardrobe. Perhaps, if he started dressing like

Alex, I would take my mind off that boy.

'Sweetheart', I said over lunch, 'Please now, let me change your wardrobe'

'Why?'

'Please now, at least, let me change some of your clothes'

'Margaret'

'Yes'

'The ones in my wardrobe, are they torn?'

'No'

'Faded?'

'No?'

'Were they bought with your money?'

'No, but...'

'End of discussion'

Sigh!


9

'Ebere, please now, please come with me'

I had been begging my husband to attend our end of year dinner with me.

I really need him to attend this party especially with my current emotional state. I needed to fix

this emotional nonsense I had done to myself secretly.

'Margaret, I cannot attend any party that will be done in a hotel. Hotel!!! For goodness sake.

What if a member sees me?

'Ebere, you will be there with me Ur wife, please now'

That was another issue with my husband. His stubbornness on certain traditional beliefs never

changes.

My husband refused to attend the party, another battle lost!

I walked into the hall alone. Greeted some of the senior managers and colleagues. Secretly, I was

on the lookout for Alex. I had taken out time to make sure my dressing was dotted.

I was talking with Tinuke when someone tapped me from behind.

'Hello Margaret'

'Hello Alex! How are you?'

'I've been looking at you since you came in. You are the best dressed here today'

(I needed to hear that)

'Thanks Alex, and you don't look bad too'

'Where is your wife?'

'I didn't invite her'

'Aleeeeex. Don't be so hard on her'

"Now, it‟s time for couples to dance' said over the Mic.

'Come, dance with me please', Alex said

I really don't know why I obliged but then,

Alex was one good dancer.


The DJ played some slow music..

"Alex, you-you are coming too close. Don't forget I'm a married..."

"Are you uncomfortable with me?'

"Alex, P-people may be looking at us"

"Margaret, do you care that much? You are extremely beautiful today and your perfume..."

"Let's clap for all the couples"

Thank God the dance stopped. I rushed to the Ladies with my heart beating fast.

'Jesus! What is happening to me?'


10

Company had closed for the year and I added my annual leave.

Between God and I, I needed to stay away from Alex. I was losing my grip already.

Everything came back to normal. I was the carefree wife I needed to be.

One evening, Alex pinged.

'Hello Margaret'

I picked my phone...secretly, I had missed his charm.

'Hi Alex, how‟s your family?

'Family is fine. yours?

'Not bad. What's up?'

'Nothing, just checking up on you'

'Thanks Alex, you are far too kind'

'Who was that?' My husband said.

I was startled

'Err, one of my junior colleagues'

'Ok. Hope there is no problem?'

'No o. He just wanted to say Hi'

I felt like telling my husband what has been going on with me.

„I‟d fix this somehow' I said to myself.

That was it.


11

The following week, my husband travelled for a speaking Engagement in Port Harcourt. I was

supposed to go with him but changed my mind at the last minute. I needed some free time.

It was 11:00pm when my phone beeped. It was Alex.

'Hello Marg, how are you?'

(Twas good he chatted me up. I was bored in this big house.)

„Hi Alex, how are you?'

'I'm fine. Why are you not sleeping?

'Sincerely, I don't know...lol'

'How is your husband?'

'Fine. Travelled'

'I've missed you Margaret'

I felt uneasy with the conversation but since I was bored..

'Missed me? Be serious'

'Sincerely, I've missed a very beautiful woman and her charm'

'Alex, Alex is Ur wife not with you?'

'I'm in the sitting room. Not like I care though'

I really should have ended that conversation but decided to continue…

'So, Marg, what are you putting on?'

'As in?'

'Take a picture and send it to me'

I really don't know what was going on in my head, I took a picture and sent it.

'Nice. Can you send some more?'

Perhaps, it was the temptation to feel younger than my age, I still can't tell what came over me

that night.


I sent a nude picture at last!

"Jesus, what have I done?

My nude picture on another man's phone???

That was when I realized I had gone deep, down and low...

Like a blind man with eyes suddenly opened, I realized I was in a deep mess already.

I rang Alex immediately.

"Hello Al-Alex"

"Hello Babe"

"Alex, you need to del-delete those pictures"

"Why?"

"Look, Alex, STOP.I am a married woman!"

He seemed not to take me seriously

„I‟m also a married man. Don't take things that seriously'

"Look, Alex...'

"Hey, don‟t order me around here. It‟s my phone and not yours. Delete yours and leave my

phone alone"

I knew I was in trouble already. I could not sleep.

The following morning, I rang Alex,

"Alex, please I'm on my knees begging you, please delete those pictures"

"Look, I'm beginning to lose my mind. I've told you over and over. It is MY phone. I didn't force

you to send the pictures. Why are you pressurizing me to delete them...?

“Alex! I was screaming already, 'Don't ruin my life. Do not drive me crazy! Alex"

"I'm done with this conversation Margaret'

“Hello, hello" He had dropped the line.

I called Alex almost 1000 times in the following couple of days. He would not pick nor return

my calls.


Several thoughts were running through my mind. What if he spread it on the internet? What if he

shared it with people at work? What if...'

My husband returned from Port Harcourt.

I felt extremely uncomfortable.

"Hello sweetie, I have so missed you"

"Welcome Ebere" I said coldly. I just was not thinking straight.

"Is everything ok?

"Yeah" Just a mild headache.

"Eh yah, shows how you missed me"

I had to force myself to brighten up immediately.

We were having dinner. Ebere was busy recounting his experience at the Port Harcourt summit. I

wasn't just into that conversation. My mind was on something else completely.

"Margaret, what is wrong with you? You've been acting strangely since I came in"

"Nothing nah. Will I be lying"?

“Obviously, you are lying. I know when something is on your mind. Ada, what is wrong with

you??"

There was just no how I would explain this to him. I am the wife of a pastor.

I really need to do some damage control...


12

The following weeks were hell on Earth for me.

'My pictures... My nude picture. What do I do'?

I mustered courage to tell my husband. I needed peace of mind.

"Sweetheart, I wa-ant to talk to you"

"OK"

"Is there something I can do that you won't forgive me?"

"Hahaha, have you done anything?"

"Answer me first Ebere",

My heart was beating fast.

He paused.

“The only thing I can't imagine yet is if you sleep with another man. But since you haven't slept

with another man..."

He raised his hand to dismiss the issue.

I haven't slept with another man but I was in a deep mess.

'Or is there something you are not telling me?'

"No-No, I - I just wanted to know the worst sin I could commit"

Again, I just didn't have the courage to do this. I just must look for how to convince Alex.

If I scale through this, I will never try this again in my life.

Work resumed and all I can think of is fixing this mess.

"Alex, we need to talk".

He came to my office.

“Alex, I need you to delete those pictures.

I was wrong to have sent them to you"

"And if I don't?"


He just pulled a sit and sat comfortably.

"Margie, I like you. I can't deny it and I WON‟T delete any of your pictures. So?"

Now I was hitting my table hard.

"Alex! Alex! What do you want from me?"

He smiled, stood up, and straightened his shirt.

'Nothing'

Now, I am about to lose my mind!


13

Now, Alex was beginning to drive me crazy!

Delete my pictures, No.

What do you want? Nothing!

What does Alex want from me?!!!

I had hardly sat down when my phone beeped.

It was Alex.

"Hi Margaret, have lunch on me today. Let's talk"

I felt like smashing my phone at the wall. Every stupid thing I felt for this guy vanished into thin

air. I needed my sanity back.

I took a deep breath. I just hope this is not a blackmail of some sort.

"Ok"

That afternoon, I sat across him at the eatery.

"Alex, I'm not in the mood for some lengthy discussion. What do you want?"

He just appeared too calm for my liking.

"Margaret, I don't want anything from you. What I want is you. Just once"

I looked around to be sure no one was listening.

"Alex, are you sick? I am not just your boss, I am a married woman!!"

"But, I can't take my mind off you. Those pictures, I look at them every moment...”

"Stop this Alex! Stop this madness"

I picked my bag to leave in frustration.

He held my hand from behind.

"I won't stop asking. Ever!"

God, what have I gotten into?


I need to tell my husband this whole thing. But how? Why did I send those pictures for goodness

sake?!!

My attitude turned into deep hatred for Alex. I felt he was blackmailing me.

Alex didn't act like anything was wrong. He just kept doing his job while I was losing my mind.

Day by day, I felt the urge to tell Ebere. Day by day I didn't know how to do it anymore.


14

"Aunty Margie, Na wah o. Who is this that has been sending love notes to you?"

That was Teniola, My secretary.

Alex was in my office reviewing a file.

Alex had taken this mess to another level by leaving notes anonymously at my office, sending

text messages and cards. Over and over I have had to destroy the notes and delete his messages.

"Tenny, don't mind the person. He will stop when tired'

Alex was there pretending he didn't know what we were saying.

“Hahaha. Aunty, it‟s not easy to take one's eyes off a beautiful woman. God saved the man it‟s

not me. I would spend his money and clean my mouth"

"Teniola, I'm a child of God. I won't do that"

"Sorry o. I forgot you are a pastor's wife. Hahaha"

In my mind I was like 'Tenny just shut up! Shut up please!

Alex stood to leave.

"Tenny, maybe the man is obsessed with her beauty" He smiled and left.

My phone beeped again.

"I think I'm obsessed with you. I can't give up ever"

I just felt like strangling Alex.

"May the Lord be with your home Sis Ann"

"Amen Ma. God bless you"

I had just finished a counselling session with some wives in the church that Sunday.

"Next please".

This face was that of a stranger.

"God bless you sister. You look like a first-timer", I said smiling.

“Yes, my name is Nike Keshinro"


"Ok-kay, so what is the issue?"

She smiled, crossed her legs,

"I am Alexander's wife"

Jesus Christ!!!


15

"(Clap, Clap, Clap),

At last I get to meet the famous Margaret who has been sleeping with my husband.

You know, it beats me how sluts like you parade yourselves as children of God.

I have not come here to make a hell of noise. I have come to tell you, Woman that before you

ruin my marriage, I will ruin your life completely!"

I sat there shivering. This lady here looks dangerous.

“Sis-Sister, can we talk outside because..."

"Talk? I don't talk crap with cheap whores like you! This is my first and final warning. Stay

away from Alex!"

She picked her bag and left.

"Ada, who is that woman, a new member". That was my husband.

God, how do I explain this?

'No-No, she just came to-to make some enquiries about our services.

My head aches. Can I go home?

“Sure, wait for me in the car. I'm almost through too"

'All the way home, I was quiet. Several thoughts were running through my mind. How on earth

did I get into this deep mess? How was I going to get out of this? With my reputation in the

church and neighbourhood, how do I explain this to anyone?

My phone beeped.

"Hey Woman, I have my eyes on you- Nike"

Where on earth did she get my number??

I decided to respond.

"Sister, this is not what you think, please let's meet somewhere to talk"

"Ada, are you OK?"

"Yeah. It‟s just the headache"


Phone beeped.

"Hello Margie, How are you? Still waiting for your response. I won't give up ever". That was

Alex.

Phone beeps.

"Ok. Meet me at Club-de-Unique, 8:00pm-Nike"

"Ada, who are those texting you?"

"My Colleagues"

Now, I am going crazy!


16

It was 7:25pm.

I was thinking of an excuse to leave home. I needed to see Nike and at least clear her view.

But then, what exactly will be my explanation?

"Ebere, please I need to see Sis. Bukky"

"This night?

“She needs me to help her with her M.Sc project. I already promised her I would come"

They say when you tell a lie, you need twenty more lies to cover up.

"Look, I don't like you going out late"

"Darling, I won't be long"

As I got into the Club, the smell of alcohol and Cigarettes filled the whole place. I had a veil and

a pair of shades to disguise my identity.

"Hello Woman, I guess you are here to see me" That was Nike. "Come"

"Beer or Wine?"

'None'

"Cigarette?'

'No please'

'Hahaha, you must be good at pretending you are a saint'

"Nike, Let's just talk. This whole issue is not what you think it is..."

"Exactly what I think it is. You have Ur pictures littered all over my husband's phone and his

computer...do I look like a dunce to you? Alex has been talking divorce and showing zero

interest in this marriage these days. I didn't know he was planning to leave me for an old Witch

like you"

She lit another cigarette, blew it into my face.

'I am going to send those pictures to your church next week Sunday if I don't get two million

Naira by Thursday.


Alex has filed a divorce and I need money to start a life.

She stood to leave.

I got home that day feeling sick.

"Ada, how are you? What happened to your phone? I called severally, it was switched off. I

called Sis. Bukky..."

Oh my goodness!

"Sweetheart, the Engine of the car was overheating. I had to wait for it to cool down....

I had to fabricate another lie. Glad it worked.

Alex is driving me mad, Nike is blackmailing me already. How do I tell Ebere my nude pictures

are with another man?!!

God, I am losing my mind….


17

Twas 12:00pm on Friday.

I still hadn't raised a penny. All I had with me was fifty five thousand Naira only. There was no

way on Earth Ebere would give me such money especially as we just buried his father.

Phone Beeps...

"Hello Margie, don't dare me. Bring the cash to 15, Marlex Close, Ajah. If you involve the police,

I click the share button on Facebook"

My heart was racing fast.

'You know what Margie, You don't have money. Just go meet her to buy time while you look for

a solution to this whole madness' I was speaking to myself. 'And today, I am going to make a

confession to my husband once and for all.

I picked my bag, 'Teniola, I have to see a client'

Phone rings. It was Ebere.

"Ada, how are you?"

"Fine dear"

"Where are you, are you driving?"

"Yes"

"Where are you going?"

"I want to see a client. Ebere, there is something I must tell you tonight"

"Ok dear. Later then"

Something didn't feel right.

I got to the address. It was an abandoned warehouse.

"Helloooo, hello is anyone in here?"

"Helloooo, Nike are you in there??'

No response. 'Perhaps, she isn't here yet'

I opened a door to see if there is a seat or something I can use...


Nike's body was sitting on a chair

"Jesus!

Nike! Nike!"

I saw a knife on the floor, bent to touch it..

"Hold it! Raise your two hands... "

I turned to look.

It was the police.

"Madam, you are under arrest!"


18

"Ada! Ada! What happened?"

I was simply sobbing profusely.

"Ebere, I didn't do it. I didn't do it"

This was my husband standing here in a police station. I don't know what exactly to explain.

"Ada! What were you doing there? Why were you holding a knife? Ada, talk to me!"

All I could do was cry. I was overwhelmed with the whole case.

They said I was the prime suspect in the murder of Nike Keshinro.

"Margaret, you are wicked!!"A lady was shouting and crying at the same time.

“First, you lured her husband and then killed her because she said she was going to expose

you..."

"Ada, what is this?!"

"Ebere, it‟s not what you think. I can explain". All I could do was cry.

Alex was arrested for conspiracy but was later granted bail on compassionate grounds as no

motive could be detected.

No sooner had the news filled the town.

'Pastor's wife kills lover's wife'

“Ada, I don't believe you could do this to me. Ada did you ever lack anything?

Ada, to think you are yet to give me a child and I have still been faithful to you these past eight

years. Yet, you could be having an affair with your junior colleague, junior colleagueeee..."

"Ebere, I didn't do it"

"Do what?! You've been lying to me!

Ebere stormed off in annoyance.

The whole version reported in the dailies was a rude shock to him, our families and the church.

The company terminated my appointment as they did not want their name dragged into the case.

Ebere had made conclusions to return my bride price as custom demands.


“Nobody in my lineage has ever been convicted of murder. No wife of mine would bring shame

to us!"

Who on earth will believe my version of the story? Only God knows the truth.

'I didn't kill Nike' was all I could say to anyone.

With the news all around town, day by day, I felt more abandoned.

All I needed was for someone to believe me.

Friends, family, ex-colleagues, church members – everyone left me.

"Madam you have a visitor"

At least, I needed some fresh air.

"Alex?!"

"Margie, why did you do it? Yes, Nike and I had issues but I loved her. I didn't want her dead!

Just because you were protective of your reputation in church, you killed her? How-How on

Earth could you???

"Alex, I didn't do it. I didn't"

"Really? I am not going to wait for the slow judicial system of this country. I am going to ruin

you myself.

That night, I cried really hard. I could feel my whole world crumbling in my hands.

I didn't know what Alex wanted to do, I just didn't know what could be worse.


19

"Ada, you are wicked!"

So, this is what you have been doing behind my back. You were sending nude and semi-nude

pictures of yourself to a man young enough to be your little brother?

I held my head in tears. Alex had posted my pictures on the internet. He said it was his way of

avenging Nike's death. People shared the pictures until Ebere saw them.

"Ada, I never believe you could come this low! I never knew my trusted wife was a whore!

All I could do was cry.

The case will be presided on tomorrow.

"This court of Law finds you guilty as charged!

You are hereby sentenced to death by hanging"

I don't know why the judge chose such sentence. Life imprisonment could have been a better

option. But they said Nike was stabbed in 23places and I tried to conceal the murder weapon

before the police arrested me.

Tears flowed down continuously. I knew my world was gone. Everything I stood for, everything

I believed and laboured for.

I watched my mother weeping aloud and Ebere crying like a man. I could see the disappointment

in his eyes. He kept shaking his head. Some members of the church were there to support him

morally. I looked at a few of them, they kept shaking their heads and biting their lips.

Sister Ann, one of the sisters I mentored came to me while I was being taken away,

'Sis Margie, God will take control'

I didn't respond. I simply followed the wardens.

The Prison was another world entirely. Different faces, different crimes.

As I was being given my clothes, I could not stand it anymore...

I woke up in the clinic.

'Ma, Where am I? I guess I've been dreaming'

"Doctor, she is awake", I heard one of the nurses say.


"How are you ma'am?

I'm afraid you are pregnant"

I looked at myself, I was actually in prison clothes. It wasn't a dream.

I sank into the bed with tears flowing all over.

I'm pregnant!! After all these years,

Now, I am pregnant and can't be happy.

Why did this happen to me?


20

Every day I woke up, I was grateful. I hadn't been executed as the governor hadn't signed.

My baby was growing in my womb. Yet I could not take care of her the way I preferred.

Ebere had not been checking on me. That, I could understand.

I heard church population had reduced drastically after my pictures were released on the internet.

I met new people and made new friends. After all, thanks to the slow judicial system of Nigeria,

every spare day was a privilege.

I could have appealed but there was no financial backing as Ebere would not even listen.

Every time I saw babies living in prison with their mothers, I wept.

To think my baby would live this way till I was executed was disheartening.

One day, a set of youths came on Evangelism. They said they were from Rcf Lautech

One of them sat with me trying to explain Faith. I listened to her preaching in her innocence. She

was surprised at my in depth knowledge of the Word.

'Ma, you are born again. Aren't u?

"Of course, I am"

"So, so why are you here?"

'Not everyone living within the four walls of this building is a criminal. Some of us are just

victims of wrong decisions taken. I can't tell you my story now because of time. But, I enjoin you,

please pray for me.

She held my hands.

"Ma, do you believe in God?"

"Of course, I do, I do, I do"

What is your wish?

'I have three-

That my husband will see his baby,

That my husband will know the truth and that my husband will forgive me'


I smiled hoping against all hopes.

She bowed her head and prayed with me.

As she stood to leave, I turned to her.

"What is your name again dear?

"Bimpe"

"Bimpe, I may never see you again after this moment. I have one advice for you. If you would

ever be a prisoner, don't be a prisoner of the conscience. Only, the truth sets a man free.

Have a nice day daughter of Zion"

"Have a nice day Ma. Thank you.

Another day ended well.


21

"You have a bouncing baby boy!"

Thank you Lord! Thank you Lord!

Another beautiful day, I put this boy to bed.

Thanks to several NGOs and well-meaning people, I had some of the basic things I needed. How

I really wish Ebere was here to see his long awaited son. I wasn't asking for anything. I just

wanted him to see his son and be reminded that faith works.

Plans had been completed to handover my son to my mother. I do not know how many sunshine

and sunsets my eyes will be privileged to see.

I had already written the truth in a letter to Ebere. Whether he believed it or not, I wanted to tell

him the entire truth.

I was reading my Bible one evening, stumbled on the scripture,

"...and the king could not sleep..."

Suddenly, my spirit was lifted.

I began to pray to the God who owns the heart of men.

"God, just this once, let the whole world know the truth that I didn't kill Nike"

"Margaret Azubuike..."

That was my name called.

My heart sank deeply, a tear dropped.

The governor had signed that I as well as five other convicts on death row should be executed

before 5:00pm that day.

The wardens had come to take me. Some of the prison mates were crying for me.

I didn't know if to cry or simply go on.

"Madam, are you a Christian or a Muslim?

“A Christian… " There was a priest praying for us "...May the Lord forgive your sins and accept

you into eternal rest"

Our faces had been covered as expected.


A rope had been tied successfully and my feet on an object.

I was the 4th in the row. I could feel a man around me. Perhaps, he was to remove the object on

which I stood.

"Hold!" I heard someone say

What is going on??


22

"Hold please, We have a situation here"

My heart was beating fast.

I couldn't see anyone or anything as my face was still covered.

What is going on?

"Release Mrs. Margaret Azubuike. We have an order from above..."

What is going on, Jesus?

I was untied and the covering on my face removed. I was taken back to the prison where Ebere, a

lawyer and some other persons I didn't know were waiting.

'Madam, we-we have a situation here. There has been a confession as regards the murder of Late

Mrs. Olanike Keshinro. We are glad we got here before you were executed...' The Lawyer kept

talking.

Somebody wake me up.

"The suspect turned herself in two days ago"

"Suspect?"

"We were also able to establish the motive"

"Can someone explain what is going on to me?" I knew I could collapse already.

"Mrs. Keshinro was a Lesbian. Her partner was very possessive.

Mrs. Keshinro broke up with her partner few days before her death so she could work on her

marriage.

Her partner told her that would be over her dead body. They had been partners since their days in

the university.

They had an argument just before Mrs. Keshinro drove off to the venue of the incident.

Her murderer trailed her, killed her and dropped the murder weapon.

The police was called by neighbours who heard her screaming during the attack.

She turned herself in when she couldn't cope with the torment she was experiencing.


I dropped to my knees, screaming in praise.

I kept crying and singing at the same time.

I looked at Ebere, he was glued to his position with tears flowing freely.

I had been discharged and acquitted.

Only God does miracles!


23

All paperwork done, I was set to go.

"Nothing like freedom and peace"

"Goodbye Mrs. Margaret" one of the wardens

"Goodbye Sir. I'd definitely come around on visits"

I plan going to my village first to get some freshness.

A lot of stigma accompanies– 'ex-convicts' no matter how they try.

Ebere was waiting by his car. Well, I don't know... (Sigh)

"Ebere, I...I just want to say..."

"Ada, why? Why didn't you tell me?"

I began to cry

"I was afraid of losing you. I thought..."

"See how many things you lost? See how many lives you ruined?

“Everyone gets tempted but in marriage you don't fight battles alone."

"I've learnt my lessons. I did everything trying to keep you, Unfortunately, I lost you in the end"

"Come in, let me drop you off"

(Knock, knock)

Someone was knocking at the window. I looked up, it was Alex.

Ebere wound down.

"Hello, Alex" Ebere said

"Good afternoon sir" He paused, "If there is one part of you which can take me as a son, I ask

that you forgive me. It was the devil. I'm glad the truth came out before Margaret was executed. I

wouldn't have forgiven myself ever (He couldn't stop the tears). Nike ruined my sexual life and

that was why I got trapped in you Margaret. I'm just sorry about everything."

"It‟s ok Alex. I can only imagine what you went through..."

Ebere did all the talking while I sat there looking.


When I got to the hotel I was supposed to stay before travelling the following day. Ebere, held

my hand,

"Ada, do you remember asking if there is something I would never forgive you for doing?

'Yes. You said nothing except that you can't imagine if slept with another man'

'Ada, come home. Come home with my son. Let's do this all over again'

'But, everybody has seen...'

'Shhh... When I married you, I didn't marry everybody. Let that be my worry. You are a rare

woman, come home'

I took a very deep sigh.

This is surely the finger of God.

I ran to the other side to hug my husband.

“Let‟s just go home now. I mean now. We'd travel to pick Ebere Jnr tomorrow"

"Good!"

So we drove off...

"Ada, what soup will you cook today?"

I slapped him at the back.

'Have u been starving all the while?'

"Sort of. No food beats Ada's food"

"Hahahaha"

Now that God has given me this second chance, I am not messing with it big time...

---------The End-----


Disclaimer: THE PRISONER is purely fictional as all names, events and characters are

purely the imagination of the writer. It is regretted if a part or the whole of the story

coincides with the experiences of any.

All rights reserved.

Temitope Adegbenjo, © September,2017

the prisoner - wordpress.com · 2017-10-06 · the prisoner secrets, scandals and consequences...

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