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Introduction

Welcome to my blog! It is the sixth week of this creative writing and today I am writing about Thieves in the Warehouse. Please read!

Thieves In The Warehouse

Akpatta left for his usual business trip to Lagos where he wanted to clear his goods at the wharf. This time, he imported stockfish. Custom and Excise duties were paid. The goods came in container and were easy to convey.

The night before his arrival, something happened. Thieves went into the warehouse and made away with so many items.

Unknown to the security guard and the storekeeper, the cook and the steward has secretly removed the original key from the bunch of keys and had taken it to blacksmith to produce a duplicate. They later replace the original key in the key holder while they kept the duplicate with the aim of striking their deal at a convenient time.

On that day, the two went to the market. They spent longer than the usual time. To Ndopnda's greatest surprise they boarded a Pick- up Van back home. Though the Pick-up Van stopped at a distance of about hundred meters away from their home, Ndopnda was able to cast a glance at the vehicle and its plate number. And with his scarred head, memorized the registration number of the Van.

Ndopnda had an accident during one of his return trips as "boy boy". The accident was so fatal that his former master died instantly and he too had almost lost his life but for the expertise of a specialist doctor who saved him. His head has been badly injured and stitched inch by inch,

Just at the time, the Pick-up Van stopped and both the cook and the steward disembarked, Ndopnda was working in the yard. He was tired and had leaned on the fence while discussing with Abia. Since he was taller than Abia, he was able to view the outside compound thoroughly through the holes on the fancy block. He saw the signs they used with the help of their fingers when the driver made a U- turn towards the way they came.

The finger signs were not new to Ndopnda. He had learnt from one of his masters who had been a class teacher, the interpretation of fingers signs.

He remembered once, his former master had told him before two of his friends to prepare three cups of garri while lifting up one finger to signify one cup only. He had foolishly emptied the only three cups of garri in the can meant for the day's menu. When his master's friend left, he was seriously beaten and starved for a whole day. Since then, he had been careful to implement properly the finger signs.

Yet, another finger sign that he had never forgotten, had been the manner in which his former master had used in discharging his guest whom he wouldn't want to offer any refreshment. Once, he gave him some money to buy some drinks but gave him a sign not to buy anything. 'Ndopnda, take this money and ask my guest what he would take', the teacher had said before his guest.

"What do you take sir?' Ndopnda asked. And please hurry up,' the teacher had ordered, "Buy him one beer and get me chilled mineral.
Lifting his first finger upward when his first finger had been lifted up before
Ndopnda, it had meant his complete disappearance from the vicinity until the departure of the guest. After some minutes, he began to complain about the bad attitude of his boy to his guest

Look at the time now, it's almost twenty five minutes since he left and has not come back. Imagine a boy living with somebody! Last time it was so and when he came back, He lied to me that he had missed the money when he had actually used it to munch chicken suya with his friends. Can you imagine that? the teacher had complained.

Why do you keep him? He is a problem. You are fortunate that none of your children stays with you else, he would spoil them. I am sorry for you, the guest had responded.

l will teach him a lesson when he comes back. By the way, can I send for my neighbour's son to buy you something? the teacher had further asked. Don't worry yourself, till next time." his guest had answered.

As soon as his guest left, Ndopnda reappeared. The teacher cheered and congratulated him for saving the cost of the entertainment.

Meanwhile, Ndopnda had squatted somewhere in the yard and had listened to the conversation between his master and the guest.

Conclusion

I am glad you read the story to the end and I believe you enjoyed it and like it short too. For better understanding of the story please read the preceding episodes below.

Episode 1, Taboo on Playmates
Episode 2, Hocky the dog
Episode 3, The Gardener
Episode 4, The-master
Episode 5, The gate man encounter with Itina