Episode 5: Paparazzi

The following day

I opened up the A4 envelope Belinda gave to me at the cocktail party. In it was a photograph, a note — detailing some instructions and the sum of fifty thousand Naira.

I took a deep breath and read the note.

At the end of the note was boldly written — DON’T GET CAUGHT!

The note revealed when and where I would catch Abdul in the act — philandering. Belinda’s mission for me was to spy on him and take a clear unquestionable snapshot. The note made me understand it was a routine for him coming here on Tuesday evenings.

I really didn’t know how I was going to get this job done. The way Belinda briefed me made it seem so easy, however, this was risky business. I didn’t know who this man really was or whether or not he was a dangerous person. The last thing I wanted to do was to step on someone’s toe — especially someone who I don’t know. I was pretty sure Belinda would deny me if I was caught in the act. I had four days to prepare.

-Four days’ time

I got to Farm City lounge at Lekki phase 1 at 7:00 pm sharp. This was the supposed place I would catch Abdul with his mistress. According to the note Belinda gave to me, Abdul was supposed to arrive there at around 7:30 pm with a young lady. I sat alone, amidst a few others who were present at that hour. I could count them easily — we weren’t more than ten people.

It was past two hours and Abdul hadn’t shown up. I was getting bored and was already thinking this was all a joke until I saw an arrogant looking man, dressed in a grey native attire, strolling in and flanked by two slay queens. He sat, ordered for drinks and began canoodling the ladies shamelessly, not minding prying eyes.

This was him. This had to be Abdul. I looked at the picture again and recognized the signature beard and bald head. I could tell he had a lot of money. Sometimes you don’t need to pry into someone’s bank account before you know if they’re broke or not. I didn’t want to waste any time. I tuned my phone to silent mode and switched on the camera, however, I couldn’t get a clear shot.

I was several feet away from him and had to aptly find my way around where he sat. Just when I got my chance to get a clear shot, a slender lady on high heels stormed in wildly and headed towards Abdul. She yelled like a mad dog at Abdul and cursed him for cheating on her. She was vexed. Abdul had deceived her that he was out of town for a meeting, however, she had placed spying eyes on Abdul’s movement. Maybe she tipped a waiter, I don’t know, but it worked for her. She caught him red-handed. Apparently, this was Abdul’s secret lover. There was intense drama and no one could calm her down. Abdul threatened to get her arrested but she called his bluff. She warned Abdul never to call her again and stormed out leaving Abdul embarrassed.

This was bliss for me, I had every iota of this drama recorded and I believed Belinda would be delighted. I smiled, happily paid for my drink and left a good tip for the waiter.