CHAPTER ONE

SILENCE

Enugu, Nigeria, 2005

 

Noma’s world shattered in an instant. She cowered in the corner of her parents’ bedroom, her eyes fixed on the horror unfolding before her. The once-familiar space now reeked of sweat and fear.

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“Nneoma, Nneoma bring the padlock to the gate I asked you to bring,it’s late already and it’s dangerous” Mrs Tina, Nneoma’s mother screams from outside trying to put the gates together.

” Mummy I’m coming, I’m looking for the key” Nneoma screams from inside, wiping her lips as she leaves the kitchen with her mouth stuffed with meat as she pretends to be looking for the key, meanwhile she’s holding the key,she paced to and fro trying to finish what she stuffed her mouth with before meeting her mother with the key.

“Nneoma you won’t like me if I should meet you inside that house,you’re making me shout and you know your father is already tired,be quick let’s all go inside” She said already fuming but still holding the gates together.

After she was done clearing her stuffed mouth,she ran down the stairs to meet her parents, she met what she never expected, her mum screaming for help as she was being raped by the robbers at gun point and her father brutally beaten up almost at the point of death.

“Please, don’t hurt them,” Noma begged, her voice trembling. The masked men laughed, their cruel gazes lingering on her.

“Mama! Papa!” Noma screamed, but her parents’ cries were silenced.The memories blurred together – the sound of shattering glass, the scent of smoke, the feeling of rough hands dragging her away.

Noma’s mind fragmented, shielding her from the trauma. She forever blamed herself for the death of her parents.

 

******************************

Nneoma “Noma” Okoro’s earliest memories were of laughter and warmth. Her parents, Ikenna and Ada, filled their Enugu home with love and encouragement. Noma’s father, a successful businessman, would swing her onto his shoulders, calling her “my little queen.” Her mother, a teacher, would read her stories, nurturing Noma’s curiosity. Life was idyllic until that fateful night. Noma was 16 when armed men invaded their home. She cowered in her parents’ bedroom, watching in horror as they were brutally murdered. The sounds, the smells, the feelings – everything froze in her mind.

After the trauma, Noma’s world shattered. She moved to Lagos, living with distant relatives who struggled to understand her pain. School became her refuge. She poured herself into books, determined to make her parents proud.

University brought new challenges and opportunities. Noma studied finance, driven by a desire to comprehend the world and create positive change. She joined clubs, networks, and interned at top institutions. Slowly, she rebuilt her sense of purpose.

Upon graduation, Noma landed a job at Elite Securities. Determined to prove herself, she worked tirelessly, navigating office politics and sexism. Her resilience earned recognition, but vulnerability remained a luxury she couldn’t afford.

Now, at 28, Noma’s past continues to shape her present. Memories of her parents haunt her. Success is her solace, but the emptiness within remains.

As she rises through the corporate ranks, Noma’s driven by a singular focus: uncover the truth about Elite Securities and honor her parents’ legacy.

 

Present Day, Lagos, 2024

Noma’s eyes snapped open, her heart racing. The nightmare still lingered, etched on her skin like a scar.

She rose from bed, shaking off the memories. The city outside her window pulsed with life, a stark contrast to the darkness within.

Noma dressed quickly, her movements mechanical. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

At Elite Securities, Noma’s professionalism masked her inner turmoil. Her colleagues saw only the poised, confident analyst. But the ghosts of her past lingered, waiting to shatter the fragile facade.

Noma’s heels clicked on the polished floor as she walked to her office. The Elite Securities building loomed above her, its glass facade reflecting the city’s chaos. She felt trapped, suffocated by the secrets within these walls.Her phone buzzed, snapping her back to reality.

“Noma, we need to discuss the Adeyemi account,” her boss, Chief Okunnu, said, his voice firm but laced with condescension.

Noma’s gut twisted. “Of course, sir.”As she entered the meeting room, Femi, the journalist, caught her eye. His presence stirred unease.

“What brings you here, Femi?” Noma asked, trying to sound casual.

“I’m investigating Elite Securities,” Femi replied, his gaze piercing. “Rumors of insider trading and money laundering.”

Noma’s heart skipped a beat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Femi leaned in, his voice low. “I think you do, Noma. Your parents’ murder… it’s connected to this company.”

Noma’s world spun. How did he know?

“Meet me outside,” Femi whispered, before turning to leave.

Noma’s mind reeled. Could Femi uncover the truth?

Noma’s hands trembled as she gathered her things. She couldn’t shake off Femi’s words. Her parents’ murder, connected to Elite Securities?

Outside, the Lagos sun beat down on them. Femi led her to a nearby café, away from prying eyes.

“What do you know about my parents’ death?” Noma asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Femi’s expression softened. “I’ve been investigating Elite Securities for months. Your parents were whistleblowers, Noma. They uncovered a massive fraud scheme involving top executives.”

Noma’s world crumbled. Her parents’ death wasn’t just a random act of violence.

“Why didn’t you come forward sooner?” Noma demanded.

Femi’s eyes dropped. “I was threatened, Noma. My family was a target. But I couldn’t shake off the guilt. I have evidence, documents and recordings. I need your help to expose the truth.”

Noma’s mind reeled. She had to know more.”What makes you think I’ll help?”

Femi’s gaze locked onto hers. “You’re the only one who can verify the authenticity of the documents. Your parents trusted you, Noma. You’re the key to unlocking justice.”Noma’s resolve hardened. She would uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

“I’ll help,” Noma said, her voice firm. Femi’s face lit up with determination. “Together, we’ll bring them down.”

As they parted ways, Noma felt a sense of purpose she hadn’t felt in years. She would honor her parents’ memory and fight for justice. But as she walked back to Elite Securities, a chill ran down her spine. She was now a target.

But meanwhile, Femi was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a journalist father and activist mother. His parents’ passion for truth and justice instilled in him a strong sense of morality.

Growing up, Femi witnessed his father’s struggles against corrupt government officials and corporate entities. His father’s bravery inspired Femi to pursue journalism.

Tragedy struck when Femi’s father was assassinated while investigating a high-profile scandal. The killers were never brought to justice.

Femi’s mother, heartbroken and frightened, urged him to abandon journalism. But Femi was resolute. He continued his father’s work, driven by a desire to expose the truth and protect the vulnerable.

Femi’s primary motivation is to uncover the truth behind Elite Securities’ corrupt practices and bring justice to those He believes Elite Securities was involved in his father’s murder. Proving this connection drives his investigation.He feels responsible for Noma’s parents’ death, believing his father’s investigation might have inadvertently led to their murder. He seeks redemption by helping Noma.Femi aims to reveal the depth of corruption in Nigeria’s financial sector, inspiring reform and accountability.

As Femi works with Noma, he becomes increasingly concerned for her safety. He’s determined to shield her from harm.

Noma’s eyes gazed out the window, her mind trapped in the labyrinth of her past. The Lagos cityscape blurred together – steel skyscrapers, crowded markets, and ancient traditions.She thought of her parents, their legacy, and the truth Femi sought to uncover.

“The ceiling’s got to shatter, Noma,” Femi said, his voice echoing in her mind. “We can’t let them silence us.”

Noma’s scar throbbed, a physical reminder of her resilience.

At Elite Securities, the shadows seemed to grow longer, darker. Whispers of corruption lingered in every hallway.

“Noma, we need to discuss the Adeyemi account,” Chief Okunnu said.

Noma’s instincts flared. What did he know?

As she walked out of the meeting, Amira approached her.

“Noma, be careful. There’s something going on. People are watching.”

Noma’s heart quickened. Who could she trust?

That night, Noma’s dreams were haunted by memories of her parents. Their voices whispered truth and courage.

She woke up, resolve hardened. Noma would shatter the ceiling, expose the truth, and bring justice.

The Lagos sun rose, casting a golden glow over the city. Noma stepped out, ready to face the shadows within.

 

—

Noma’s determination propelled her forward. She began to investigate Elite Securities, scouring financial records and interviewing colleagues.

Amira proved a valuable ally, sharing whispers and rumors.

“Be careful, Noma,” Amira warned. “Chief Okunnu has eyes everywhere.”

Noma nodded, her senses heightened.

One evening, Noma met Femi at a quiet café.

“I’ve found a document,” Noma said, his eyes shining with excitement. “It implicates Chief Okunnu in the fraud scheme.”

Femi’s heart skipped a beat. “How did you get it?”

Noma smiled. “My sources are reliable. But we need more evidence.”

Together, they pored over the document, unraveling threads of corruption.

As they worked, Noma’s phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number:

“Stop digging, Noma. You’re playing with fire.”

Noma’s instincts flared. Who was watching her?

Noma’s eyes widened as she scrolled through her email inbox. The familiar Elite Securities logo seemed to mock her, its professionalism a stark contrast to the vile message that followed.

“Subject: Women’s Place”

“Dear Noma,

You think you’re one of us, but you’ll never truly belong. Your gender, your skin, your accent – all reminders that you’re not fit for this world. Leave now, before we make you.

Best,

A Colleague”

As she walked to the water cooler, she overheard whispers from colleagues:

“Think she’s making a big deal out of nothing.”

“Not surprised, considering her attitude.”

Noma’s eyes narrowed, her anger simmering. Who was behind these whispers?

At her desk, she found a Post-it note with a cryptic message:

“Drop it, Noma. For your own good.”Noma’s heart sank. Was this a warning or a threat?

Suddenly, her phone rang. It was Femi.”Hey, Noma. Just checked in with HR. They’re stalling on the investigation,” Femi said, his voice low.

Noma’s frustration boiled over. “What’s going on, Femi? Why are they protecting this person?”

Femi hesitated. “I think it goes higher than HR, Noma. We need to be careful.”

Noma’s eyes scanned the office, sensing unseen eyes watching her.

Noma’s hands trembled as she minimized the email window, trying to compose herself. She couldn’t let this cowardly message dictate her day. Taking a deep breath, she stood up from her desk and walked to the office kitchen to clear her head.

As she poured herself a cup of lukewarm coffee, she noticed Femi, a colleague from the marketing department, chatting with a group of coworkers. Noma approached them, her eyes locking onto Femi’s.

“Femi, can I have a word with you?” Noma asked, her voice firm but laced with concern.

Femi excused himself and followed Noma to an empty meeting room.

“What’s up?” Femi asked, his brow furrowed.

Noma hesitated, unsure if she should share the email. But something about Femi’s kind eyes put her at ease.

“I received an email,” Noma began, her voice barely above a whisper. “It was… threatening. Told me to leave the company because I’m a woman.”

Femi’s expression darkened. “That’s disgusting. Did you report it to HR?”

Noma shook her head. “Not yet. I don’t know if it’s worth it.”

Femi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “It’s worth it, Noma. We’ll report it together.”

Noma and Femi walked into the HR office, determined to report the email. The HR representative, Mrs. Adeyemo, listened attentively, her expression growing increasingly concerned.

“Thank you for sharing this, Noma,” Mrs. Adeyemo said. “We’ll investigate and take necessary actions.”Noma left the HR office feeling a mix of relief and skepticism.

Chief Okunnu sat in his spacious office, scanning the daily reports. His assistant, Tunde, entered with a discreet knock.

“Sir, there’s been a complaint filed against an anonymous email sender,” Tunde announced.

Chief Okunnu’s expression turned icy. “Handle it quietly. No need to escalate.”

Tunde hesitated. “Sir, shouldn’t we—”

“No, Tunde. This is internal. We’ll manage it ourselves.”

Tunde nodded, but his eyes betrayed unease.

Noma returned to her desk, trying to focus on her work. However, the email and HR meeting weighed heavily on her mind.

As Noma navigates the aftermath of the email, staring at her reflection, questioning her own sanity.

Was she overreacting? Was the email truly threatening?

 

To be continued…

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