Stolen Moments

CHAPTER SIX.

Coco Kaave got off scot free.

"One of the advantages of having the right friends." Chief Onapuruagu explained.

Today marked a week since the incidence that took place on the highway at the grass side of Dirty South. With the help of Chief Onapuruagu, they pinned Vill's murder on Chief Kaave. Coco made sure she kept him in prison, where he bacame king of the heap.

Often, Coco thought of her dad and what might have been. Sometimes her thoughts would drift to late Vill. She had no remorse, she was happy. She had TRENDZ. She had the streets of Dirty South, and with that, she could own the world.

***

"I'm sorry," said Delma firmly, "but she wouldn't come."

"Wouldn't come?" echoed Chief Onapuruagu and his friend, Steven, in unison.

"That's right. You got it in one."

"You didn't tell her it was me!" exclaimed Chief Onapuruagu in disgust.

"Of course I told her it was you. I said, Chief Onapuruagu Ihopunonu, the chief that takes something from the lion's mouth, will like to see you after the event."

"And?"

"And she smiled, and said, I am busy."

"Busy!"

"She probably is busy. Hosting an event at TRENDZ isn't easy and there are horny guys all over the place."

Chief Onapuruagu shook his head in amazement. He didn't send Chief Kaave to prison, and give TRENDZ to her on a platter of gold only to constantly hear 'i am busy' each time he gave her an invitation.

Most importantly, he needed his money. It was about time Forbes updated his net worth. What did Coco think of him? A fool? He knew exactly what he was doing. Joining hands with her to bring down Chief Kaave was the best bait. It would be easier for him to snatch TRENDZ and Dirty South from her hands, than that of Chief Kaave's.

She must be stupid and naive to think he'd let her run the streets of Dirty South, for long. He concentrated on having a good time on his table as the function at TRENDZ went on. He decided he would handle Coco later.

Coco Kaave had organized a quick function to celebrate a new beginning and leadership in the empire.

She couldn't help but notice the uneasy look on her mother's face. Something was wrong. She had unsettled beef with her. And maybe now was the perfect time to discuss issues.

Mrs. Kaave took her red purse from the table and walked outside the hall. Coco followed immediately. Mrs. Kaave was pacing round the garden when she heard footsteps approaching her. She turned to face Coco, beautifully dressed in a white jumpsuit.

"Hi Mom." Coco said, smiling.

"Hi.." Mrs. Kaave muttered.

"Why are you here, seems you're not enjoying my event. Do you perhaps miss dad?"

"I needed some fresh air."

"I get the feeling you've been avoiding me. Right, mom?"

Mrs. Kaave couldn't deny it. She had always known her daughter to be mean and ruthless. But sending her own father to jail? It meant no one was safe. She faked a smile. "No. No. Not at all. I'm having a migraine. I'd like to go home now."

Coco glared at Mrs. Kaave. "I know you were the one that kidnapped Brandy."

Mrs. Kaave nearly pooped in her clothes at that revelation.

"She told me everything. How you tried to bribe her to steal important documents from the office..she refused you, and as result, you had her kidnapped and tortured. Right, mom? Or is there something I'm missing?"

Mrs. Kaave readied a response, and then checked herself. The wise thing to do at the moment was remain silent.

"Were you planning to get me in trouble with dad by stealing the documents, or you were planning something else?" Coco questioned again. Coco's face spread in a lazy grin, but she showed no sign of leaving. She rather said, "You need to go home and rest, that's the best prescription for a migraine."

As Mrs. Kaave turned to leave. Coco spoke aloud. "Becareful how you move on me mom. Dad's in jail now, he can't save you from my wrath. No one can. So, pick a side and remain there. Switching positions won't be allowed."

As Mrs. Kaave left. Coco dailed her phone and spoke. "Jeremy? She just left. Have her followed." Coco ended the call and sat on one of the seats in the garden. She couldn't help but admire the the cute couple from afar, leaning on their car and kissing. Part of her wanted that life, maybe with Chief Onapuruagu. But she convinced herself she wasn't built that way. To her, love was a temporal thing, and she wasn't built for temporarily things.

***

"I said, who is there?" Chief Onapuruagu repeated gruffly.

" It's me, Coco."

Christ! Two thirty in the morning and she was knocking on his door.

"Forget it." He growled.

"Just open the door." She wheedled.

He slipped his gun in the pocket of his robe and turned the lock on the door. Opening up the door, he began to say "Listen Coco.." His words turned to a strangled curse as he saw her bare breast through the fabric of her lace blouse.

Coco hissed, "I've been busy all day. I just left the event center. Why did you ask to see me?" She sat on Chief Onapuruagu's bed, and threw a piercing glance at him. "What exactly do you want from me?"

"Don't act like you've forgotten."

Coco bit her lip hard before responding. "I owe you nothing."

"You owe me half of your father's wealth, as agreed," Chief Onapuruagu began, "Now is time to give me my money, don't you think so, Coco? Plus, you've got a very attractive body, we could be more than business partners."

Coco swallowed hard because something in his tone sounded deadly serious. She could tell that he was running out of patience.

What the heck was taking her so long to answer him? He had expected an instant reply. Fucking instant. The delay was killing him.

"Will you give me my money or not?" Chief Onapuruagu demanded.

"All of your businesses are blooming and hot coochie whichever way you turn, why are still interested in my money and my sexuality?" Coco snapped.

"Money is never enough. Coochie is never enough."

"I want to shower and rest up. Stop talking mad."

"I have a very comfortable bedroom." Chief Onapuruagu knew he was only interested in Chief Kaave's wealth, but how could he let the beautiful Coco Kaave return to the arms of another man?

"Good night Fred."

"Fred?"

"Yes. Fred. What? You don't expect me to address you by your chieftaincy, or do you? Well I won't."

Chief Onapuruagu reached out into his pockets and brought out a document, which he laid upon his night table. "It is exactly as you said. In your name. It's deeded to you. And here is the attached inventory. Put it somewhere safe. And do not mention it to anyone, until I say otherwise."

"The train station?" Coco hoped it was.

"Yes." Chief Onapuruagu replied.

Coco exploded with joy. She laid both hands on his shoulders and kissed him passionately. She felt his hands opening the buttons of her jumpsuit, cupping a breast and pinching the nipple between his fingers until she moaned.

She pushed her leg between his, and rocked her body against him. He pulled away from her, then, shaking his head. "You must leave now."

Coco was beyond shocked. Was he refusing her now? "I thought you wanted this."

He laughed, and it was unsteady. "Yes I do. But not on this grounds."

"On what grounds then?"

"Just leave Coco. Go celebrate your success. I'm happy for you. Have my money the next time I pull up though." Chief Onapuruagu turned, and walked into his bathroom. Coco refused to take no for an answer. She followed.

***

"Coco Kaave, of Dirty South is in chief's bedroom as we speak." The blonde girl said mockingly.

"It's the audacity for me." Delma replied.

Delma and Inna sat on the bed gossiping loudly.

Delma, Chief Onapuruagu's secretary and personal assistant.

Inna, his cook and house help.

They both had their separate rooms in Chief Onapuruagu's mansion, but, after Coco Kaave showed up that night. Inna took it upon herself to rush to Delma's room and mock her. It was no longer a secret to all Chief Onapuruagu's workers that Delma had a huge crush on Chief Onapuruagu. She always fantasized and bragged about how Chief Onapuruagu will end up taking her as a bride.

"She's really beautiful. I've never seen her one - on - one, before now." Inna complimented Coco Kaave.

"What's the big deal? She has all the money for weekly face surgery and most expensive cosmetics." Delma said.

Delma and Inna ran to the window to peep through as they heard echoes of laughter. It was Chief Onapuruagu and Coco. Playing in the swimming pool, like kids did during summer. Delma pretended not to be jealous. She sighed and walked back to her bed, and laid down. She stared at her wallpaper thoughtfully.

Inna dropped into the wing chair in the bedroom, staring pensively into Delma's eyes. She wanted nothing more than to sit and laugh at Delma.

"I told you he'll never look your way."

"She's just like the rest. Nothing special."

"Don't.. don't deceive yourself. You know the truth."

Delma turned to the other side of the bed and covered herself in her blankets. For some reason, she was hurt and angry. The picture of Chief Onapuruagu and Coco in the pool stuck in her head like nursery rhymes. She had never seen Chief Onapuruagu be that relaxed and happy with anyone. Not even with the president's daughter. Although covered in her blankets, she heard when Inna left the room.

***

Chief Onapuruagu sat opposite the beautiful Coco Kaave, in his private dinning room. He watched her eat. Toasted, peanut butter bread and a cup of chocolate tea. She looked effortlessly beautiful in his turkey robe. Even without her makeup.

He teased, "Imagine this meal was poisoned.."

Coco didn't stop eating. She didn't look scared. She smiled. "Then, I'll happily die."

Chief Onapuruagu laughed. "Just kidding." He didn't get the reaction he expected. He wondered why she wasn't scared or bothered. Was she only being confident that he would never poison her food, or, was she just good in concealing her fear? The telephone across the table rang.

"Barbeque fish?" Chief Onapuruagu spoke on the phone. He looked at Coco and asked. "Would you like to have barbeque fish?"

"Yes please. I want it very spicy." Coco replied while sipping her tea.

"Yes..make it spicy Inna. Thank you." He ended the call. "You like food afterall."

Coco laughed. "Not really. I'm looking forward to the poison." Coco laughed again, this time, Chief Onapuruagu joined in the laughter.

"I'm celebrating my win. The train station now belongs to me. Cheers." Coco said.

"Cheers. At least now I can have my money." Chief Onapuruagu added.

The doorbell rang. Chief Onapuruagu reached for the door and opened. He was surprised to see Delma holding the tray.

"Good morning chief." Delma greeted.

"Morning. Where's Inna?" Chief Onapuruagu asked.

"I was the one that phoned. Inna is fine. I just wanted to give the beautiful Coco Kaave a good morning treat." Delma replied.

Chief Onapuruagu collected the large tray from Delma. "Thanks. Very thoughtful of you. I'll let her know the kind gesture." Chief Onapuruagu closed the door and walked to the table.

"Oouuh. This smells delicious." Coco couldn't wait to feast.

Chief Onapuruagu was happy she was impressed. Delma had always been one of his best staffs.

Chief Onapuruagu turned on the music box. He whined his waist to the sound of the Peru remix by Fireboy DML ft Ed Sheeran. Coco frowned and changed the song. We Go Up by Nicki Minaj ft Fivio Foreign, was on the turn table.

"That's the shit you listen to? Rap, trap and drill?" Chief Onapuruagu frowned.

"Better than what you bump to." Coco said defensively.