KIBAHA, 2020
“The place is fully safeguarded every 24 hours, we can’t break in.” Patrice said.
“We don’t break in. We use brains to get in.” Leo said.
“How…?” Patrice said.
“If we get the map to the building, we can create a path which will lead us to the safe box. We’re not attacking. We are robbing.”
“That’s a very bad idea.” Patrice said.
“And the only idea we are left with.” SJ said.
Leo smiled. “She’s right.”
“It’s dangerous.” Patrice said.
“Well.” SJ sighed. “Let’s go pack our bags and disappear again.”
Patrice gasped. “How do we get the map?”
Leo chuckled. Patrice side-eyed him.
“I’ve an old friend who can help.” SJ said.
“It’s Friday. The safe house closes at noon today and they don’t open till Monday.” Patrice said.
Leo peeked over his watch. It was 1240hrs.
SJ smiled. “Christos won’t be able to get the document today.”
Patrice nodded. “We’ve the whole weekend to figure out how to steal the document.”
“We don’t have time.” SJ said, “We’re starting tonight.”
“You’re not planning to leave me out of this, are you?” Leo said.
“It’s too dangerous. You stay out of this.” SJ said.
“I’ve nowhere to go and I need to find out the truth too.”
“Hide somewhere. We’ll contact you once we get the documents.” SJ said.
“I want to help.”
“Pray hard. That’ll help.” Patrice said.
“I’m the one who caused all these. Please, let me help.”
“By coming with us, you’ll soon either face the pain of discipline or the pain of regrets. SJ said, “There is no way you can escape both.”
Leo smiled. “I can bear any pain as long as it has meaning.”
“Since you insist. You’re in—”
“We can’t risk another life, SJ…” Patrice said.
“He’s indomitable.”
“Death doesn’t choose.”
“Great things never came from comfort zones.” Leo said.
SJ extended her hand. “See... We’re not leaving him behind.”
Patrice exhaled, staring at the roof. Leo knew what Patrice was thinking. It was a good idea to stay out of trouble. It was good to play it safe. But if he had followed this advice, he could’ve died on his first day in the street. He was five, alone in the street and he had to make a decision. His first option was that he was young and he couldn’t do anything and his second option was that he goes to the street and fights. He chose to fight. That’s how he survived. Too many people believe that everything must be pleasurable in life, which makes them constantly search for distractions and short-circuits the learning process. He’s not a kind of a person who locks himself in and prays for good things to happen, he always goes out and makes things happen.
Leo smirked. “I have a favor to ask.”
SJ and Patrice stared at him.
“My mother needs a quick surgery. Can you help her?” Leo said.
“I’ll arrange your mother’s treatment as soon as I get back to my office. Don’t worry about that.” SJ said.
“Thank you!”
“We’re beginning this mission tonight. We’ll meet in my office at 2000hrs.” SJ said.