The Fire Within

Chapter Seven

76 Chapter Seven couple of years had gone by quietly. Ndolo-Mabel was now five and in primary school. Mungeu’ and Yefon had done so well in managing Mungeu’s business to the point of adding a third arm—a giant provision store—to the tailoring and knitting units. They had named the entire business Mungeu’ Ventures (MV). Mungeu’ Ventures had besides the numerous apprentices, eight workers on its payroll. Back in Batemba, Mabel had done well at her job and had been promoted to the rank of assistant manager of African Progressive Bank, Batemba branch. Her husband, Leke, to whom she got married without Mungeu’—her only regret—a very calm man with an understanding look always in his eyes, was a practising lawyer. Leke and Mabel, after several years in marriage, however, were yet to have any children. Angwi was her very self, but some silvery strands of hair were now decorating her head. Pa Anye was himself quite grey and, ever since Mabel’s return and the scene she created over Mungeu’s disappearance, had observed more and said little. His rheumy eyes now emphasized a stern countenance. It was a beautiful Monday morning and places were cool and smelled fresh. It had stopped raining during the early murky hours of the day, but the ground was still damp. The rising sun sprinkled its golden rays onto the fresh green leaves and the roofs of houses as well dressed civil servants hurried along to their places of work side-by-side young and old women with large baskets carefully balanced on their heads, on their way to market. The whole environment was busy but strangely calm. Whenever in Batemba, Mungeu’ lived with her friend, Loretta, in her family home in a part of town far removed from her own father’s neighbourhood. She had been friends with Loretta since elementary school, but unlike Mungeu’, Loretta had gone on with her education, first to secondary school and then to some of the best institutions of higher learning in the country. Being the first day of the week, Mungeu’ decided to spend a few more days before returning to Nju’nki where Yefon was in total control of her business. It was always difficult for them to leave each time she visited Batemba with Ndolo-Mabel. Even though it was colder, Ndolo-Mabel seemed to like it better A 77 and always enjoyed playing around with the other young kids who normally lined up by the door into Pa Ebot’s compound as if they were in mourning when it was time for Ndolo-Mabel and her mother to leave. With her days in Batemba numbered, Mungeu’ decided she would tape some records to which she enjoyed listening whenever she was relaxing or even when busy working. She took a taxi into town to “Discothèque Denver,” the most popular recording kiosk in Batemba. At the threshold of “Discothèque Denver,” Mungeu’ knocked on the door, but there was no answer, then she knocked again and louder. Nsung, the sale’s clerk and apprentice, for fear it was his master, rushed towards the door after dipping his fingers into machine oil and picking up an old screwdriver which, in his haste, he gripped firmly after the manner of a dagger. With much humility, Nsung opened the door while Adey, his friend, looked on from behind the door, waiting to hear Agbor shout at Nsung. The shout did not come. Instead, Adey saw Nsung’s lips part. “Ye-y-e-e-s, can I help you?” Nsung babbled. “Please, I hear you tape records here, is that true?” Mungeu’s voice was calm and steady. “You mean to tape records?” Nsung asked, repeating Mungeu’s words with a shaky voice, his eyes full of admiration. “Yes.” “Yes, we do,” answered Nsung. “Okay, please record some makossa in these two cassettes… just the very recent ones,” Mungeu’ added “When do you need them?” Nsung asked with the hope of hearing that voice once more. “When do you think I can have them?” Nsung told her later on that evening, then delayed a little to see this strange girl walk off before hurrying into the inner room of the workshop to talk to Adey about the beauty of the girl who called. Adey sprang up and hurried to the door to see for himself this girl upon whom even Nsung, who has nothing but derogatory remarks for young girls, lavished so much...