"Who knew a lousy club could have such precious talent? It's unexpected." Salami Michael, a handsome man dressed in showy clothes, spoke.
He sat between two curvaceous women and gazed in the direction of the stage.
Just like the others in the club, he was mesmerized by the mysterious singer and the more he looked at her, the more he wanted her talent.
"James." Michael shouted to call one of his four burly bodyguards.
He fondled the two women at his sides, smiling as they whispered sweet nothings into his ears.
"Yes, boss." James stepped forward and responded. His attitude was attentive.
Michael faced the pretty woman on his right.
His hand ran through her hair and down, touching every place he found desirable and making the voluminous woman groan with pleasure.
"Find out that girl's identity. I have found treasure among the rubbish. And be quick about it." Michael ordered without looking at the man.
He was more preoccupied with the two women next to him. The sounds they made as he touched them inappropriately in public, filled him with enormous pride.
"Right away, sir." James responded curtly and was about to leave when his boss continued.
Turning to look at his subordinate, Michael spoke with a glint in his eyes. His voice was laced with hidden intentions.
"If she's a nobody, just bring her directly to me. This talent, I must have it. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
Michael nodded in satisfaction and leaned into the women's soft embrace.
He watched James leave and glanced at the singer.
She was smothered in the applause of the crowd as she left the stage with her guitar.
Almost immediately, the loud, vigorous music began to play from the speakers, restoring the club to its previous state with sweaty, drunken youths on the dance floor.
•••
"…yes, sir. I'll let her know." Cynthia spoke into her cell phone before ending the call a moment later.
She turned to look at Ifeoluwa whose eyes darted everywhere but at her.
The teenage girl was obviously anxious, but she was trying to act collected.
Cynthia looked at the girl's taut face and then at the hands holding the guitar case for dear life.
'Oh, what a silly child. If you're nervous, there's no need to hide it. It's only natural.'
Cynthia covered her mouth to suppress a laugh.
Looking at the girl now gazing at her with determined eyes, like she was about to face death head-on, she almost couldn't resist the urge to tease her.
However, if she did, Ifeoluwa who probably pass out there and then.
'Well, let's give her the good news.'
"Ife, darling~" Hearing Cynthia speak, Ifeoluwa straightened her back and waited with bated breath.
It was now or never.
Whether she would have a job to survive the following month or if she would have to resort to begging on the streets and living under a bridge, it all came down to this moment.
"Hahaha…my dear, you're so adorable." Cynthia couldn't take it anymore. The look on Ifeoluwa's face was just too delightful.
After laughing, she finally decided to put the child out of her misery.
"That was the boss…." She paused, enjoying the sight of Ifeoluwa sucking in a breath, before leaning close and saying;
"You're hired, little girl. Congrats."
Those words were like a bolt of lightning straight up striking her on the head.
However, instead of pain, she felt euphoria pass through every part of her body.
"Well? Aren't you excited? You'll be well paid and even have the luxury of picking the days you perform. As long as it isn't less than three times a week.
We're already being generous enough. Or do you want us to find you a place to stay? If so, I can arrange it…"
"No, no, no. It's fine. I'm extremely satisfied with being able to sing here." The flustered teenager snapped out of her daze and shook her head in a panic.
"That's good to know, kiddo." Cynthia pinched Ifeoluwa's cheek and checked the time on her phone before speaking.
"It's already late. If you're going to leave, you should do so now. It's not safe to wander alone at night."
"Okay. Then, I'll get going." Ifeoluwa held the guitar case tightly and picked up a small backpack on a nearby chair.
The backpack contained her necessities and clothes.
Aside from the few things inside the bag and her guitar, she wasn't allowed to take anything extra when she left her home.
Ifeoluwa was tempted to accept Cynthia's offer of letting her stay here, but she steeled herself, wanting to rely on herself during this trial.
It was what mother wanted.
Thinking like this, Ifeoluwa looked at the mature woman who was around her height.
"Thank you for helping me. I won't let you down." She said sincerely.
Being able to sing and get paid in this establishment was a heaven-sent opportunity for Ifeoluwa.
The schedule was favourable and overall, the pay was beyond okay.
Singing in this club per night would allow her to earn at least twenty-five thousand naira per gig, depending on the patrons' response.
It wasn't nearly enough to get an apartment, but there were some third-rate hotels she could lodge in.
Furthermore, as she performed, she could save up for a nicer place to stay.
Honestly, she couldn't ask for more. Therefore, Ifeoluwa felt extremely grateful to Cynthia, who had helped her to this point.
"I know you won't. Run along now. And stay safe. The streets of Lagos are too wild for a little rabbit like you." Cynthia teased.
Bidding their farewells, Ifeoluwa turned around and left, feeling a little sensitive towards Cynthia's statement.
"You're wrong… I can survive on my own. I have to."
The thought of never seeing her mother made Ifeoluwa extremely uneasy.
They had lived together for seven years, and it was with Priscilla that she found her home.
A home she would fight to keep regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.
Ifeoluwa became filled with new resolve as she passed the halls in brisk steps.
She held the heavy case in her hand and took the back entrance to leave the club.
Now, she had to find a place to rest for the night.
•••
Inside a brightly lit restaurant were two people sitting opposite each other.
One of them was a beautiful woman with brown eyes and a head of thick curly hair that framed her face.
The other was younger. A teenage girl with childish features wearing thin clothes.
Tejumole held a small cup in her hand and slowly sipped its content.
Her movements looked extremely relaxed, which was a contrast to the teenager glancing at her with shy but curious eyes carrying caution.
It had been five minutes since they came into this restaurant, and the smell of food was overwhelming.
Ifeoluwa was a bit frustrated.
She was currently living on a frugal budget, but this mysterious lady had brought her to a place brimming with all sorts of assorted smells.
Just looking at the large menu board at the front was making her hungrier by the second.
Tejumole glanced at the time and raised her head to look at the girl. Sure enough, the girl was the piece indicated by the system.
After making contact, the system marked the first side quest as completed.
It made Tejumole really curious.
What did a girl who looked a little too pure and naive have to do with the prostitution ring? She could only think that she was likely being extorted in some way.
Since she couldn't just discuss such a topic, Tejumole decided to keep the girl around her.
She was certain to have a use down the line.
"What's your name?" Tejumole began talking, taking a strand of hair out of her face.
"O-olubimo Ifeoluwa!" Ifeoluwa answered instantly with a stutter.
The lady suddenly asked for her name and she replied without thinking.
She felt nervous just by looking at her, even though this lady looked harmless with her calm features.
Her face was one that the teenager felt could land a modelling gig with a global agency.
But after witnessing this petite lady in action, Ifeoluwa knew that associating the word harmless with her was just plain suicidal.
"My name is Tejumole. You may address me as such."