Free Chapter one by jaden Nakaning Page A

each other. She was a very amiable woman whose husband had died some years ago. He smiled kindly at her and wondered what people thought any time the said his name. Dickson was always a subject of laughter anytime it was mentioned in class. He finally reached his house, entered and saw his room mate watching a jean Claude van dame movie. His roommate claimed it reminded him of some of his stints in Liberia during their civil war. James always wondered if it was not an over exaggeration on his part. They chatted a bit about the interview and he retired to his room to heat some frozen food for his rumbling stomach.
    After a hearty meal, James joined his roommate, Sam, in the living room to watch the evening news. A young woman with a dimpled face sat beside a convoluted desk and spilled out the news of the day.
    “Scandal hits the jubilee house today as a minister of the state has been indicted in misappropriation of state funds into his private accounts” James inwardly sighed as he realized his roommate was about to rant again.
    “You know, this country needs a wake up call. Someone who will take the blazing guns to their faces. When I was young, these people would never try to steal state funds. Our time was one of patriotism and self sacrifice. How can young men like you find good jobs when the older generations are siphoning money into their pockets.” James listens to his roommate’s ranting about the 1960’s and the coups that followed.  
    Around ten, James bade him goodnight and entered his bedroom to sleep. The moment his head hit the pillow, he heard the croaking of the frogs and screeching of whatever night animal out there. Sleeps gradually overtook him and he sank into wonderland.
    ***
     
     
     
    Chapter Three
    The crowing of a cock announced the dawn of a new day. James woke up but unsuccessfully tried to recall the dream. He could only recall being in a church building. Its being years since he went to church ever since his sister died some years ago. He vividly recalled his childhood. His parents were both staunch Christians. They were a family of four until his sister died of leukemia. It was a year he would never forget. His family broke apart immediately after his sister death. While his mother took solace in her church activities and his once strong father became a recluse. James was barely noticed in the house and right after university moved out of the family home and never returned.
    A dog bark near his window brought him out of the past. He mentally shrugged of his self pity and prepared himself for the day. His co-tenant was still asleep as he made his way out of the house. The house was a two bedroom house, each tenant had his kitchen but they shared a living room and washroom. It was comfortable for James since his meager salary he had saved could afford the rent.
    The early rays of the sun gave some warmth to him as he slowly trekked his way to board a car. He hailed a taxi which by it looks had seen better days. He told the driver to take him to the main market. Upon exiting the car, he was greeted by wares of different kinds. Although Tuesdays were not market days, there were a good number of traders and hawkers in the market. His nose was assailed by the various reeks of freshly chopped meat and the smells of roasted fish. He quickly sauntered towards the clothing section and noticed a woman who sat behind wares of different types of utensils. He tries to jug his memory as to where he had seen her before but could not place her. He tried to move on but when the woman loudly exclaimed.
    “Oh my God, is it you James?” she asked.  
    He tried to recall her but she does the job for him. “I am Sandra; we were classmates in junior high.” Memories gushed out of him as he recalled the girl who used to tease him because of his name. He mentally winced at the memory but plastered a smile on his face. “Yea, I remember now. Sandra Ankobah, right. It’s being a long time. How are you?”