Zaky 10

Zaky turned and picked the ID card. "Wait, I gave you classified information. When they read the report I'll be fired won't I?" I asked, getting worried again. "I'm going to figure out a way to keep you out of the report. The information will be there but I will find another source." He said. "You never told her. You never told Kafui the truth." I said. Zaky turned to look at me sharply. "How do you know her? Did she tell you anything?" He asked. I narrated to him all she said to me. He told me that they never dated and that he just worked with her for the report. He added that she threw herself on him and that created a lot of friction.

Immediately Zaky or Derrick or whatever heard his phone ring be looked at me and muted it. Usually he would take the call and excuse himself to talk. He just waited it out. There was an awkward silence for a moment and the phone rung again. "Can I have your phone?" He asked. I hesitated a little because of the look on his face. It's like he was deep in thought. "It's someone from work. I need to give him some quotes and need a calculator." He said. I gave him the phone but somehow I felt what he said was a lie. He went out of the room to answer the call. When he came back I asked if he was able to calculate the quotes. He nodded. That was when I knew something was really up. My phone was locked and he didn't know my password. There was no way he used it!

"So what do I call you now? Derrick?" I asked getting up. He shook his head. "If anyone hears you call me that it could blow my cover. Let's stick with Zaky." He said. He still looked far in thought. "Yea true. Anyways I think I will be going home now. Can I have my phone?" I asked. Zaky stood up. He said nothing. He just looked at me. That was when my heart started racing. I turned around and walked briskly to the bedroom door but when I tried to open it I noticed it was locked. "What are you doing?" I turned around to ask him. He walked to me and before I could do anything he forcefully covered my mouth and nose with a handkerchief. "I'm sorry." I heard him say and I blacked out.

I opened my eyes slowly. I had a splitting headache. It took me about a minute to figure out where I was. I was in Zaky's bedroom, on his bed. This time around the door was wide open. Unfortunately I was tied to the bed so it was useless. I closed my eyes and prayed that it was all a dream. I could hear voices from the living room. I looked out the window and saw that it was dark outside. Very slowly the voices got clearer. The voices were three Zaky's and two others. "Everything is under control. We need her alive. Tell Rex to get ready to go with the same plan tonight." Zaky said and the second person left. This was not good.

To be continued...

Zaky 9

One evening after work Zaky said he was hunger so I offered to cook for him. I made a quick egg stew with rice and served it to him while I took out the trash. When I was putting the trash bag into the big bin outside I saw a piece of paper that looked like a blueprint of a building. I was just about to ignore it when I saw "Out of service camera" written with an arrow next to it. It looked like our office building. Very few people knew that the stairway camera wasn't working and I remember telling Zaky. I pulled out the paper and watched it closely. It was really a blueprint of our workplace!  My heart started racing when I heard Zaky call my name from inside. I quickly folded the blueprint, put it in the back pocket of my jeans and rushed back.

"Wow that was one awesome meal. You never told me you could cook this good. I’ll miss this." Zaky said and I smiled. “Why are you going somewhere?” I asked a little confused. He shrugged and said he meant when he finally went back to the head office.  I almost forgot about the blueprint. He put his empty plate into the kitchen sink and walked to me. It was when he put his hands around my waist that I remembered it was still in my pocket.

 He kissed me on the forehead and rested his hands right on my butt. My heart missed a beat when he stopped and said, "What's that in your pocket?" It was too late to stop him. He pulled it out. He looked at the blueprint and turned to look at me. My heart was pounding and to my surprise he was very calm. "I guess you are wondering why I have this." He said. I wasn't sure what to say. He let out a heavy sigh. "Let me show you something." He said holding my hand and leading me to his bedroom. All sorts of scenarios played around in my head.

Zaky sat me down on his bed and pulled out something from his bedside drawer. My heart calmed down a little when I realized it was an ID card. He gave it to me. It had his picture on it but the name was Derrick Sowah. It was a company ID card, FX Security to be precise and it said Derrick Sowah, Security Analyst. "My name is not Zaky. I'm Derrick. I work as a security analyst. Your company hired me to test all their security systems. What I do is I go to the company, see how good their security systems are and submit a report. I know it's a lot to process and I'm really not supposed to be sharing this information. Employees are not to know until I leave. I could easily get fired." He said. I looked at the ID card and turned back to him. I slowly absorbed what he said.

This really was a lot to process. I tried to run this information by what Kafui told me. It sort of made sense; the fake CV and the secrets. Then it hit me. He may have been with us just to see if we will allow him to have access to the cctv cameras and I don't know about her but I gave him everything. He had the password and full access to surveillance system at work because I was sprung. I trusted him with it. Then my heart skipped a beat. Did he even really like me? "So this thing with us was just your job?" I asked with a little quiver in my voice. He seemed surprised. "You think I used you? No I didn't." He said. I stood up dropping the ID card on the floor. "I should have known. A guy like you will never be interested in a girl like me." I said, walking out.

He stood up and came after me. Immediately I turned to say more about how I felt he took me in his arms and kissed me. He didn't caress me, didn't touch me, he just kissed me deeply. I wanted to move away but I couldn't. A greater part of me wanted him so much. He pulled back slowly, looked into my eyes and said, "This is real. I haven't felt like this about anyone in a long time." It felt nice hearing him say that. He never really officially asked me out but words like those made it ok.


To be continued...

Zaky 8

I stared at Kafui trying to guess what she was about to say. My best guess was that she had a history with Zaky. One that obviously didn't end well. Dede mentioned that she sounded jealous the day they spoke and I sort of got what she meant. "You can believe what I'm about to say or not. I honestly don't care anymore." She started and I sat up.

She started her story by telling me she used to date Zaky. My guess was right after all but what she said after that was completely off my guess . "He joined the company last year and we got close and started dating. He became a bit distracted after a while and always went to meet friends from his old job. I got slightly paranoid. Any woman would right? So I hacked into the company folders for his personal records. I just wanted to know who this so called friend was" She said. I raised an eye brow.

Hacking? Kafui was not as innocent as she looked. "He used to work for Ziltec with a managerial position too. That sort of calmed me down because most of the staff there are men but hey they have female secretaries and stuff right?" She asked and I nodded. Ziltec made most of the banking software in the country. "I called a friend who worked there and guess what?" She asked and paused. It took me a few seconds to realise she was waiting for me. "What?" I said and she continued, "He said there was never an employee there called Zaky. I wasn't sure what to do so I told him what my friend said and he claimed to work with them on a contract basis. He played the trust card and told me that if I wanted our relationship to go on I should trust him."

Kafui was beginning to sound emotional. "A week later he broke up with me. It didn't make sense because I decided to trust him then. I threatened to tell everyone he was a fraud but he reminded me about my hacking and that if I wanted to keep my job I should be quiet. He had a point." She explained. I stopped and thought for a moment. "So why are you telling me? Aren't you afraid I will report you?" I asked. She laughed and told me she had gotten a new job ready for her the next month. "That's why I didn't call you. Wanted to secure my new place first. Report him. He is a fraud. If you need any more information you can call me." She handed me her card, opened the door and got out of my car. "All the best." She said and walked off.

I attempted to call her back but didn't. Honestly, I didn't believe her. She was just jealous. I looked down at the card and noticed something strange. She worked at the surveillance department too.

The next week Zaky came to my office during lunch time as usual. After work when I was driving him home he asked me to drop him off somewhere else. When he said he needed to see someone from his former office I remembered Kafui. I thought about it and realised he never spoke about his personal life at all. The only part of his family I had heard of was his cousin who owned the apartment he was living in. "

How come you never talk about your family?" I asked randomly. Zaky paused and turned to me. "My parents and brother are dead and I don't have any uncles or aunties." He said sharply. "I thought the apartment you are in is for your cousin. You must have an auntie or uncle." I shot back. "He's, he's not like, he's not blood. I just call him that." He stuttered. He asked me to pull over and he got out of the car. "I need to go, is there a problem?" He asked staring at me. I shook my head so he nodded and left. I knew it sounded silly but Kafui' s story kept playing in my head.

To be continued... 

Zaky 7

When I opened my eyes I was just in bed. The room was pretty dark. It took a while but I finally remembered I was at Zaky's place. "Hey, do you have a headache?" Zaky asked walking into the room. He was in a pair shorts and a black tshirt. He looked so good in casual clothes too? Why? He sat next to me and kissed my forehead. I shook my head and asked him what happened. "You had too much wine." He explained. "But it was low in alcohol." I replied confused. Zaky laughed and said he lied but didn't think half a glass would knock me out. I wanted to ask him if the kiss was real or a dream but I felt the kiss on the forehead was a sign that it did. "If you are not feeling too good I could drive you home." He offered. I smiled.

 After drinking some water and washing my face I felt fine. I noticed my father had called me several times. I said goodnight to Zaky and drove off. I ended our kiss prematurely thanks to the drink he gave me. When I told Dede what happened she said I shouldn't worry about because we had crossed the friend zone.

The next day Zaky came to my office before lunch. I usually met him in the lobby but for the first time he came to see me. I smiled when he walked. Everyone in the office turned around to look at him when he walked to me desk. They were probably more surprised when he stopped and we spoke. "What are you doing here?" I asked. He leaned over my desk, looking around. "I wanted to see your side. You see me everyday in my office so it's only fair I come see yours  too." He replied. We hadn't spoken about the kiss at all but somehow I felt closer to him. "You should explain how this whole CCTV camera thing works over lunch." He said staring at the large monitors showing the different offices. He held my hand and helped me to get up. Zaky was such a gentleman.

After work we went to watch a movie. I wasn't sure if that was our first or second date. After the movie the questions about my work continued. I found it a bit strange how all of a sudden he was interested in what I did. I didn't think working in the surveillance office was the slightest bit interesting. So I asked him why. "I guess when I like someone I like to get to know them more." Zaky shrugged. My heart raced. He just said he liked me and very effortlessly too. I wanted to shout "I like you too" but I just froze. 

When our date was over Zaky made me drop him off at a restaurant close to the head office. He said he had to speak with a friend there. When we got there he stopped before he opened the door. He turned to me and took off my glasses then he learned over and kissed me. It was short but very passionate. The kind of kiss that made you wonder why you were allowing him to stop. "I'll see you tomorrow morning." He said putting my glasses back on my face. He opened the door and walked out while I stared at him. I just stared. Immediately I tried to join the main road to head home I saw a familiar face. It was Kafui. She noticed me too and walked to me car. "Your friend said you wanted to know the truth about Zaky." She said when she got to the car. I wasn't sure what to say.

Zaky 6

Zaky and I got pretty close the next couple of days. I picked him up for work and dropped him off everyday. I never mentioned anything about what kafui said to me. I guess having him around me slowly made me forget about that night. First it was just going to and from work together, then it moved to having lunch as well. After a week I was almost certain he liked me. 

One day on our usual trip home from work he had a call that changed his mood. He stammered when he replied and I could tell he was carefully selecting his words so I wouldn't get when he was saying. The call was very short and after he kept texting like crazy. "Hey so Friday you move back to the head office right?" I asked trying to get his mind off the call. "Uh huh." He said still typing. When we got to his apartment I parked and looked at his absent-minded face. "Ei, we are here eh?" He asked. I giggled and nodded. "Come upstairs I want to show you something." He said opening the door.

Zaky seemed to come back to his normal self when we were in his apartment. This was my second time there. He brought two glasses of wine and gave me one. I tried to say no but he would have none of that so I just took a sip and put it on the table. "Oh seriously? At least drink half. The alcohol content is very low." Zaky said smiling. I nodded and downed a little more than half. He turned some music on and started dancing. I laughed. I asked what we were celebrating but he just grabbed my hand and started dancing with me. Just as I imagined he was a good dancer. 

"I don't know how to dance!" I shouted over the loud music. "I'll teach you." He replied. He put both my hands around his neck and put his hands on my waist. His palms fit gently on my waist and it felt like as we swayed from left to right our bodies got closer inch by inch. When a very slow song started playing we were so close I could feel his breath on my forehead. 

Zaky moved me a bit further away, held me chin and kissed me. He stared at me to see my reaction. I guess I was very inviting because without saying anything he kissed me again. It felt nicer than I imagined it to be. I didn't think we would be at this stage at least until a couple of weeks but I guess that wasn't his style and I didn't mind at all. Then gradually I got completely light headed and blacked out. 

To be continued... 

Zaky 5

Zaky had the most charming eyes. He smiled and walked in my direction. I slowed my pace. "Spidy." He called and smiled. I laughed and all my nerves calmed down instantly. We spoke for a while. After a few minutes we saw the company bus take off. "Shit! I missed it again. I made you miss the bus too. I guess we will have to share a cab again. Did you know my new apartment is close to your place?" He said. My heart started racing again. "Wow, so we are neighbours." I said smiling like a sheep. Naturally I gave Zaky the good news, I had a car! His face lit up and he hopped into the front seat. I could not believe my second string of luck. Zaky and I were neighbours? Wow!

Immediately we got to Zaky's apartment Dede called. I answered the call. "Hey sorry about the lunch thing oh. Aha you remember the girl you told me who snubbed Zaky right? What's her name? I sent you a text but didn't get an answer." She asked. I turned to look at Zaky who was still in the car. "Oh you mean the host of Who Wants To Be Rich? I think it's Kafui.. Kafui Dei." I said, trying to sound convincing. Dede clearly didn't get it. "Huh? What are you talking about?" She said. I hung up on her and quickly sent her a text. I explained to her that I was with Zaky and if I mentioned her name he would find it weird. Just when I thought my lucky was too good Zaky invited me in!

"Make yourself at home. There's only water in my fridge though." Zaky said when we got into his apartment. The place was nice and spacious. The decor was very modern and expensive. "Nice place." I said taking a seat. The walls were painted grey except one that was black and white striped. There were paintings on the walls too. "Don't be deceived, I didn't do this myself. This place belongs to my cousin. He's out of town for a year so I'm sort of a caretaker. I don't have this kind of stylish flare at all." Zaky said grabbing the TV remote and sitting next to me. I smiled. What was he talking about? He had style! Then I realised how sadly dressed I was and I kept quiet.

We spent about an hour watching TV and then I left. It was nice hanging out with him but I didn't want to outstay my visit. On my way home I stopped by a clothing shop and got myself something nice for work the next day. When I got home I checked my phone and saw a message from Dede. It said, "I spoke to the Kafui girl. She said some pretty strange things about Zaky but I'm guessing she's just jealous." I replied and asked what strange things. "She said she wanted to talk to you so I gave her your number. If she threatens you we will know for sure that she is jealous." Dede replied. I waited for Kafui to call but she didn't.

To be continued... 

Zaky 4

We left the party in about an hour. Everybody was still there when we left. "I hope you had fun." He said. I nodded and smiled. "I'm glad you did." He replied as we walked down the street to catch a cab. He hadn't asked for my number this whole time. I wanted to take his but I felt it was a bit pushy. When he said "I think this taxi is empty, we can take it." I calmed my nerves. He said WE! He opened the door for me and joined me at the back seat. He looked at his watch and asked me to tell the taxi driver where I was going. He probably had more plans for his night. There was no traffic at all sadly, so we got to my house in no time.

When the taxi stopped I put my hand in my bag to bring out my purse but Zaky stopped me. He insisted on paying. "We could split it." I offered but he would have none of that. "Ah is there a bank down this road?" He asked pointing. I nodded and he asked if there was a restaurant right opposite it. I nodded again and he smiled. "I think I know this area." He added. I giggled and told him our office wasn't far from my house. "Thanks for coming with me Spider Woman." He teased. I laughed and nodded. "Alright see you around." He said and the taxi left.

"His number." I said to myself when I realised I had forgotten to ask him but it was too late. I turned around and walked to my house. I noticed my car was back. I smiled as I went past it. If I had driven it to work I wouldn't have met him. I still had what Kafui said on my mind. It was a bit confusing but I thought about how interesting Zaky was and smiled. Maybe a visit to our Head Office would do the trick.

Dede couldn't wait to see me the next day. She came over to my desk immediately I settled down. "I did some snooping around and guess what?" she asked. I smiled and asked her to continue but I noticed she was staring at me in a funny way. "Really? This is the best you could wear today?" She asked with her hands on her hips. I shrugged and explained to her that I really wanted to wear something interesting but I didn't own any such clothes. "How about that white top with the ruffles?" Dede asked. "It was dirty." I said hiding my face in my palms. She gave me a sympathetic look and continued what she was saying before she was rudely interrupted by my fashion flaws!

Dede told me the person Zaky was covering for had extended their leave so he was going to be around at least for 2 more weeks. That was amazing news! That was why Dede wanted me to look good. Now I had to just plan how to bump into him. The bus would have been a good plan but I brought my car to work this time. "Tomorrow I'll leave my car at home and use the bus. He'll take it too." I said. Dede giggled. She thought it was a good plan but didn't understand why I needed to go that far. "You guys are friends now. You can just walk up to him and talk." She said. I stared at her. She had a point but I wasn't sure what I would say. The only thing I really wanted to ask him was what the girl at the party meant by what she said. But I honestly didn't know how to ask without it sounding weird. Just then Dede's boss walked into his office. "We will talk about this at lunch time." She said quickly and rushed off.

Unfortunately for me Dede wasn't able to meet up with me during lunch time. She had to attend a meeting at the head office that took longer than she imagined. After work I walked to my car and my heart skipped a beat when I saw Zaky coming out of the building too. He was with a bunch of his colleagues. Before I could turn away our eyes met.


To be continued... 

Zaky 3

"I hope you have fun. I'm not really a party person but I had to be here. If I'm boring pinch me ok?" He said and smiled. I smiled and nodded. If had asked me to do anything at all at that very moment my answer would have been yes. No matter what it was. As we entered he held my hand again. I probably needed pinching too because I felt like I was dreaming. Maybe I dozed off on the bus?

There were people all over. Everyone was in work clothes but some of the ladies had thrown on some extra jewellery and unbuttoned their shirts a bit lower. Dede was right, the women who worked here looked much more daring. Their heels were higher, clothes were tighter and their make up was something else. I felt so odd in my flats. "Zak how's the new branch?" A tall guy said, smiling and shaking his hand. They had a brief conversation and we walked to the table that was serving drinks.

Zaky kept very close to me. He would chat a bit, introduce me to people and walk around. Then we met the operations manager. She was tall and commended a lot of presence. What in modern terms people call a boss chick. Even in a colourful party hat I could sense it. "Zaky! Have you missed Head Office already?" She said and we all giggled. She shook my hand and I wished her a happy birthday. Zaky was right about being bad company. He would chat for a while and when he noticed it quickly rush back to me. It was perfectly fine for me, I mean I was just excited to be his date. I spent a good deal of the time texting Dede and telling her all about him.

When I felt someone close to me I took my eyes off my phone and turned to them. It was a lady. She had a perm cut and the most modest clothes in the room, well besides mine. She smiled at me and I smiled back. She looked at Zaky was was busy laughing with some guys and turned back to me. "You are from his new branch right?" She asked. I nodded. Then her smile faded. "Are you two going out?" She asked bluntly. I wasn't expecting such a question at all. "No, me and him? No we are not." I said, fumbling all over the place. "Well then, lucky you." She added. At this point Zaky had seen us and was walking briskly towards us. Before I could ask her what she meant he had reached us. "Kafui, how are you doing?" He asked her. She gave a very dull reply and just walked off. "Have you tried the spring rolls? They are amazing." Zaky said immediately she left. He grabbed my hand and we walked to the food table like that awkward conversation never happened.


To be continued....