Lugard: Chapter 7

The sound of sirens blared in the distance, but this time, it wasn’t just a routine disturbance in the bustling city of Lagos. Amara’s friend, Amina, had been unjustly arrested during a peaceful protest against police brutality. The news hit Amara like a freight train. She rushed to the hospital where Amina was taken after being shot in the leg. The doctors tried their best, but the injury was too severe. Amina’s leg had to be amputated.

Amara stood by Amina’s bedside, her eyes filled with tears and fury. "This is why we fight," she whispered, holding Amina's hand. "This is why we can't stop."

Na'ibi arrived at the hospital shortly after, his face pale and drawn. The sight of Amina, frail and bandaged, filled him with dread. He knew this could easily be Amara or even himself next. The danger they faced was no longer a distant threat; it was brutally real.

As they left the hospital, Amara turned to Na'ibi, her expression a mix of desperation and determination. "We have to do something, Na'ibi. We can’t let this continue. We need to expose these monsters."

Na'ibi looked at her, his heart heavy. "Amara, I... I don’t know if I can do this anymore. The risks... they’re too high."

Amara's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. "What are you saying?"

"I’m saying I can’t keep doing this. I’m not built for this kind of danger. I’m an entertainment journalist. I should stick to what I know," Na'ibi said, his voice cracking.

Amara felt a wave of anger and betrayal wash over her. "So you're just going to walk away? After everything we've been through?"

Na'ibi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I’m sorry, Amara. I just... I can't. I can’t lose you or myself. I have to step back."

Amara's face hardened. "Fine. Do what you want. But I’m not stopping. I can’t stop."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Na'ibi standing alone, his heart aching. The rift between them felt like a chasm, and he couldn’t see a way to bridge it.

As Amara threw herself back into the fight with renewed fervor, the stress and heartbreak of the situation took its toll. She felt abandoned, betrayed by the one person she thought would always stand by her side.

Meanwhile, Aondo, witnessing Amina's plight and the growing abuse of power within the police force, felt a stirring of conscience he could no longer ignore. He had seen too much, and the sight of Amina’s suffering was the final straw. He decided it was time to take action from within.

Aondo began secretly gathering information, documenting instances of corruption and brutality. He knew it was dangerous, but he couldn’t stand by any longer. He reached out to Amara, offering his help and inside knowledge.

"We can make a difference," Aondo told her. "But we have to be smart about this. We need to gather irrefutable evidence and expose them in a way they can’t ignore."

Amara nodded, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Aondo. We need all the help we can get."

The journey ahead was fraught with danger, but Amara, Aondo, and their allies were determined to see it through. Their resolve was stronger than ever, even as Na'ibi grappled with his own decisions and the consequences of stepping back from the fight.