The evening sun had gone down behind the rooftops of the slum, casting long shadows across the narrow, dusty paths. Lina wore a loose hoodie over her maternity gown, blending in just enough to avoid attention. Her eyes moved quickly as she walked toward an open shed behind the corner mechanic shop. The air smelled of grease and grilled suya.
A tall, skinny guy in sagged jeans and a sleeveless shirt stood up as she approached. It was Eric; smart, sharp-eyed, and known by everyone as the street's unofficial boss. He whistled when he saw her.
"Wow, Lina? I can't believe this! Where have you been? Your son is growing up without a single word from you!" Eric joked, though he was clearly serious.
Lina gave a weak smile. "Eric, I've been... busy. Let's just say life got complicated."
Eric looked her over. "Complicated? You disappeared without a call, and now you're back; pregnant with twins, it seems and you call that a 'special assignment'?"
Lina laughed lightly but didn't meet his eyes.
Eric leaned against a wooden pole and crossed his arms. "I don't normally get into people's business unless it concerns me. But your sudden disappearance stirred some dust. A man came asking about you. He's not from around here. Clean look. Muscles. Looked like some private detective."
Lina's heart skipped. She looked up quickly. "A man? When did he come?"
Eric shrugged. "Last week. He came twice. Said he was looking for a Lina Obi, a teacher at Winner's Primary School. I asked him why, but he didn't say much. Just gave me some cash and told me to contact him if I saw you."
Lina's hands shook slightly. She reached into her handbag, pulled out some money, and passed it to Eric discreetly.
"I need your help," she said. "Find out who he is. Keep watch. If anything strange happens, call me right away. And please, don't tell anyone I'm back here, not even your best friend."
Eric raised an eyebrow but nodded as he took the money. "You have my word. But Lina... this feels dangerous."
"I know," Lina said quietly. "That's why I need you. If you need more money, I'll give it. I'll call you from my private line."
Eric tucked the cash into his pocket. "No problem. This is my street. If anyone even looks at you funny, I'll know. But Lina... don't forget where you come from. And don't let this pregnancy take you down a path your heart can't return from."
Lina nodded. "Thank you. And please… keep an eye on Davis. From a distance. Just in case."
As Lina turned and walked away, Eric watched her disappear into the shadows. His mind was racing. Whatever Lina was into, it was serious. And whoever was chasing her was getting close.
***
The ultrasound machine beeped gently as the doctor moved the probe over Lina's big belly. Mara stood in the corner, arms folded, eyes fixed on the screen.
"They're both doing fine," the doctor said with a smile. "Very active. Strong heartbeats. Good positions. They'll be here in a few weeks."
Mara sighed with relief. "Start making arrangements for the birth now," she told the midwife beside her. "We must be ready."
The midwife nodded and brought out a notebook. Together, they listed all the baby needs; diapers, milk, clothes, cribs, name tags.
Lina sat quietly on the bed, only half listening. Her thoughts were elsewhere.
When the check-up was over and the midwife stepped out, Lina said, "Can I speak with you in private?"
Mara hesitated, then followed her into the doctor's office.
"I haven't seen my travel documents," Lina said, looking her straight in the eye. "Or Davis's."
"They're ready," Mara replied calmly. "Only the tickets are left."
"Then bring them next week," Lina said firmly. "These babies could come any day now, and I don't want to stay long enough to start... getting attached."
Mara stared at her for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright. I'll bring them."
No sarcasm. No resistance. Just a plain yes.
That scared Lina more than anything.
***
Lina entered the house quietly, tired from the hospital visit. She went straight to her room, the only place that still felt like hers.
Soon, Uzo the cook knocked and came in with a hot bowl of yam porridge and soft goat meat.
"I made your favorite," she said cheerfully. "You need your strength for the babies."
Lina's face lit up at the smell. "Uzo, you're a lifesaver."
Uzo placed the tray beside the bed and smiled warmly as Lina began to eat.
"This is amazing," Lina said, mouth half full. "You've outdone yourself."
"Thank you, ma!" Uzo beamed.
Lina looked around. "Where's Davis?"
"In his room, reading the storybook you gave him."
"Has he eaten?"
"Yes, ma. He finished everything."
Lina gave a grateful nod. "Thank you, Uzo. Truly."
Uzo wiped her hands on her apron, then paused. "Madam… where's Ifeoma? She hasn't been around since this morning."
"I was going to ask you the same thing," Lina said, frowning.
"She left early without saying a word. Madam, I know it's not my place, but please be careful. Lately, she's been acting strange."
Lina stopped eating. "What do you mean?"
"I caught her by your wardrobe twice. She said she was cleaning, but she looked suspicious."
Lina put her spoon down, her appetite gone. "Uzo... if you notice anything else, tell me immediately."
"Yes ma," Uzo said seriously, then added softly, "Just keep your eyes on her. Something's not right."
Lina nodded slowly, her stomach tight, not from the food, but from worry. She looked toward the door, thoughts swirling.
Then her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She stared at it, heart pounding.