Mariaa

Maria sat by the motel's narrow window, the faint hum of passing cars blending with the chirping crickets. The night felt oppressive, a heavy blanket of unease settling over her. Ojo's proposition lingered in her mind, a constant tug-of-war between her instincts and desperation. Trusting him felt like embracing a viper, but rejecting his offer meant facing the network alone—a battle she knew she couldn't win.

The knock on her door startled her. She grabbed the knife from the table and approached cautiously.

"Who is it?"

"Room service," a muffled voice responded.

Maria's grip tightened. She hadn't ordered anything. "Leave it at the door," she called back, her voice steady.

The footsteps retreated, and after a few moments of silence, Maria peeked through the peephole. The hallway was empty. She opened the door slightly, enough to spot a folded note lying on the floor. Retrieving it quickly, she locked the door and unfolded the paper.

Meet me at the old bus depot at midnight. Come alone.

There was no signature, but Maria recognized Amina's distinct handwriting. Her pulse quickened. Amina rarely dealt with matters directly; this was unusual and dangerous. Maria hesitated, but curiosity and the need for answers won out. She slipped on a dark jacket, tucked the knife into her pocket, and left the motel.

The bus depot was a skeletal structure of rusted metal and cracked concrete, long abandoned and overtaken by weeds. Shadows stretched across the ground, cast by the faint glow of distant streetlights. Maria stepped cautiously through the entrance, her senses on high alert.

"You're late," Amina's voice echoed through the empty space.

Maria turned toward the sound and found Amina standing near a graffiti-covered pillar, her posture relaxed but her eyes sharp. She wasn't alone. Two men flanked her, their silhouettes menacing against the dim light.

"I didn't realize this was an official meeting," Maria replied, keeping her tone neutral.

Amina smiled faintly. "You've always had a way with words. That's why I liked you. But now, I'm wondering if my trust was misplaced."

Maria took a step closer, her hand resting near her pocket. "I'm not here to debate trust. If you have something to say, say it."

Amina's expression hardened. "You refused a mission. Do you know what that means?"

"I know exactly what it means," Maria said, her voice firm. "But I won't kill women. That's my line."

One of the men shifted, his hand brushing against his jacket—a subtle reminder of the threat they posed. Maria ignored him, keeping her focus on Amina.

"Your principles are a luxury we can't afford," Amina said coldly. "Folake is a threat. If you won't deal with her, someone else will. But don't mistake this for mercy. Your insubordination has consequences."

"And what are those?" Maria challenged.

Amina took a step forward, her gaze icy. "Consider this your final warning. Either you fall in line, or you're out. Permanently."

The implication was clear. Maria's jaw tightened, but she held her ground. "If that's how it is, then I'm out."

Amina's lips curled into a cold smile. "So be it." She gestured to the men, who began closing in.

Maria's instincts took over. She lunged at the nearest man, her knife flashing in the dim light. The blade found its mark, slicing across his arm. He cried out, staggering back, but the second man was already reaching for his weapon. Maria darted to the side, using the pillar as cover.

"Stop!" Amina's voice cut through the chaos.

The men froze, their movements hesitant. Amina stepped forward, her gaze locked on Maria. "You've made your choice. Now you'll live with it."

With a sharp nod, Amina signaled her men. They retreated reluctantly, their eyes filled with venom. Maria didn't lower her guard until they disappeared into the shadows.

Back at the motel, Maria patched up the shallow cuts she had sustained during the scuffle. Her mind raced, replaying the confrontation. She had severed her ties with the network, but at what cost? Amina wouldn't let this slide. Maria knew she had become a loose end, one that needed to be tied up.

As she bandaged her arm, a knock at the door startled her once again. Knife in hand, she approached cautiously.

"Who is it?"

"It's me," a familiar voice replied.

Maria's tension eased slightly. She opened the door to find Ojo standing there, his expression serious.

"What now?" she asked, stepping aside to let him in.

Ojo glanced around the room before speaking. "I heard about your fallout with Amina. That puts you in a dangerous position."

Maria smirked. "I'm aware."

"I meant what I said before," Ojo continued. "We can take down the network together. But you need to trust me."

Maria folded her arms, her skepticism evident. "And why should I do that?"

"Because you don't have a choice," Ojo said bluntly. "You can't fight them alone. But with me, you have a chance."

Maria studied him for a long moment, weighing her options. Finally, she nodded. "Alright. But if you cross me, I'll make sure you regret it."

Ojo smiled faintly. "Fair enough. Let's get to work."

The following days were a whirlwind of planning and preparation. Ojo provided Maria with intel on the network's key players, their routines, and their vulnerabilities. Together, they began mapping out a strategy to dismantle the organization from within.

Maria felt a renewed sense of purpose as they worked. For the first time, she wasn't just surviving, she was fighting back. But as their plans took shape, she couldn't shake the feeling that their every move was being watched.

And she was right.